AN abundant feast of local musical talent brought the curtain down on another resoundingly successful Bradford Roots Music Festival last weekend.

Almost 900 people thronged the Wiltshire Music Centre as the festival showcased more than 50 artists in the event’s fourth and biggest edition yet.

An eclectic jamboree of performances, including singer/songwriter Keith Christmas who played guitar on David Bowie’s Space Oddity album, displayed their skills in folk, jazz, pop, reggae, rock and choral under one roof, two days and four stages.

Co-organiser Lisa Samuel said: “It has been a wonderful weekend. I can’t believe it is over already. This is a great opportunity to showcase some superb local talent and who knows maybe we will see some of them at Glastonbury in years to come – it is all very exciting.

“It is a fantastic feeling to see how much we’ve grown over the years. In our first year we only sold 40 tickets before the event. This year we sold 500. I am so grateful to everyone involved. They come and perform here for free. Every year it has grown. It has such a strong and positive ethos and it is a joy to be part of.”

Approximately 80 people, including 25 volunteers, made the event possible, enabling the festival go from strength to strength.

“It has been a fantastic weekend with non-stop artistic quality even better than last year, it has surpassed my expectations from last year and I didn’t think that was possible,” said Clare Jack, Wiltshire Music Centre’s executive director.

“Right through the weekend the atmosphere has been great and so friendly. I’m amazed by the amount of local talent we have and they all love playing here and we love having them.

“We are extremely grateful for everyone who helped out and It goes to the Wiltshire Music Centre charitable trust and Wiltshire Young Carers too which adds to the feel good vibe.”

Initiatives to promote young local talent around town and further afield are up and running with the likes of Bradford on Avon Young Music doing their bit at the festival.

“It is great to see all these different acts. We are spoilt for choice and it is great to see all the work pay off,” said Tom Viga, 17, of Bradford on Avon Young Music and a St Laurence School pupil.

Hip-hop duo Alex and Theo Part, who perform on Corsham’s Kik Radio and have been signed by Temple Records in Bristol, praised the festival for giving youngsters an opportunity.

“It is great to see up and coming artists given a chance,” said Alex Part, 20, who with his brother has performed at Glastonbury for two years.

“We got a great reception and we would love to get on the main stage next year,” said Theo Part.

Performer and co-founder Chris Samuel paid tribute to all those who played their part. “I can’t wait to see you all for our fifth anniversary,” he said.