WHAT is claimed to be the country's biggest yet free music festival – at Teignmouth harbourside – was a rip-roaring success.

Thousands watched 27 bands perform from a stage outside the Ship Inn at the four-day festival – and it did not cost them a penny.

It was the sixth such event and reckoned to be the best yet. But now the organisers are faced with the dilemma of how to put on an encore next year.

One fan said: 'It was like Glastonbury without the cost or the mud. We had a feast of great music, and I don't know anywhere else in the UK where you could listen to so many groups for nothing.'

Pub staff and the festival organisers were said to be 'totally knackered' by Monday night and the Ship landlady Kim Rackley declared: 'Everybody involved did brilliantly, but they were like zombies by the end after putting in so many hours.'

She praised Pete Williams, the 'promoter', who co-ordinated the bands and the stage area, and he told the Post: 'Virtually all the bands came from within five miles of Teignmouth and showed what incredible talent we have here.'

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