It was all music and sunshine at Hexham's second annual Bluegrass Festival last weekend, as the town attracted an impressive crowd.

Packed with 24 acts performing on two stages, the festival staged in The Sele was a hit with a total of 800 people visiting over its two-day period.

Town Councillor and chair of the Hexham Bluegrass Festival, Penny Grennan, said: "Our ambition is to make Hexham the Bluegrass centre of the North East.

"The combination of the Farmers’ market, The Abbey Flower Festival and our weekend of Bluegrass meant the town was full of people from all over the region and beyond."

She expressed immense gratitude to those who contributed to the festival's success and announced that it’s already on the calendar for the same weekend next year.

Remarkably, the festival was free to all, relying on fundraising and donations to operate.

Hexham's Mayor, Derek Kennedy, said: "Congratulations to the Bluegrass Festival it was an excellent weekend."

" I spoke to many people from all across the region who all really enjoyed themselves.

"The town was buzzing with shops, restaurants and pubs all very busy from the additional tourists.

"It is wonderful for Hexham to showcase such talented artists.

"It was thrilling."

The economy also thrived during the festival's run, with the town's stores, restaurants and pubs experiencing increased support from tourists who had descended upon the town for the festival.

If you are interested in Bluegrass go to the Hexham in Bluegrass website for more year-long events and classes.