GALLERY: Thousands head down to Ampthill for AmpRocks and Proms

Festival spokesman Jem Maidment said: “It was a fantastic weekend. Chas ‘n’ Dave drew in 4,300 on the Sunday Gala day which is more than treble the numbers who came to see The Feeling at AmpRocks just three years ago.

“We had about 5,000 people on Friday night for Razorlight, over 2,500 for the Proms, and 7,000 on Sunday for the family gala day.

“This year has blown all records, it’s staggering.”

And while the crowds had a great time the bands enjoyed themselves just as much.

Jem said: “Chas ‘n’ Dave absolutely loved it. They signed every autograph, and posed for every picture. Had there not been a curfew I think they would have played all night!

“They did two encores and the crowd lapped it up.”

The weekender is run as a not-for-profit event, with all money made being ploughed back into the festival and used to support good causes in and around the town.

Festival treasurer Andy Littlewood said: “The community really benefits from this event, not only those who come and enjoy themselves, but those who are involved in the organisations it supports.”

As the festival team recover from the event, they are already looking towards next year.

Jem said: “In the pub after on Sunday we asked ourselves, how are we going to beat that? It’ll be a job, but we’ll make sure next year is bigger and better.”

The Festival continues this weekend with the Ampthill Literary Festival at Parkside Hall, which includes events with comedian and author Jenny Eclair, and John Challis (Boycie in Only Fools & Horses).

Pictures by www.JoshuaSherwood.co.uk and www.gordontantphotography.com