THOUSANDS of people got into the groove at a fun and family friendly music festival which drew in record crowds.

Organisers said they had already exceeded expectations for the Mello music festival at Throckmorton Airfield which attracted crowds of more than 2,000 people between Friday and Sunday. Bands performed on three stages – Vulcan, Spitfire and Area 51.

The first Mello Festival last year was a hard act to follow, attracting many five star reviews on the festival's Facebook page, and pulling in crowds of more than 1,500 but organisers feel the second was even bigger and better.

In total there were 60 acts. Performers included Hawkwind, Lucy Spraggan, Dreadzone, Bez from the Happy Mondays, Space, Republica, Rozalla, Electric Swing Circus, Rupert Stroud, Bootleg Bowie, the Prince ‘xperience, Supernova, the Late Runners and Sugar Mama.

There were also 12 food outlets, with the food village expanded from last year's inaugural festival to include more food types and to satisfy more dietary requirements, including vegetarians.

Steve High, public relations for the festival, said: “It’s very much for families. It’s a beautiful family atmosphere. The music is very diverse. Thank you to everyone for their continued support. It’s been brilliant.”

Children were kept entertained by all kinds of stalls and workshops including drumming, circus skills, face painting, basket weaving, kite making, chainsaw carving, skate ramps and a kids disco.