THOUSANDS of visitors from Essex and beyond filled the Brentwood Fes - tival under the flaring summer sun.

Held in aid of Essex-based charity, Blesma, Soul II Soul, Level 42, Tony Hadley, ABC, The Boomtown Rats and The Brand New Heavies treaded the boards alongside two dozen sup - porting acts during over the weekend.

Festival director, Jason Jopson, said: “The whole event had a really chilled out atmosphere all weekend.

“We want to thank everyone who gave so generously to Blesma, a fan - tastic charity doing so much to sup - port limbless veterans.

“There is already huge demand for ticket sales for 2017, so we’ll be releas - ing an allocation of passes later this year for everyone wanting to return for #BwdFest17.”

Festival Co-ordinator, Laurie Ed - monds, said: “The crowd was so well behaved.

“It was lovely seeing families en - joying all the music and children’s activities.

“We’re already starting to plan ahead for next year’s festival, and look forward to releasing the names of our 2017 headliners soon.”