MORE than 3,500 music lovers gathered at the recreation ground in Tongham for this year’s Samfest, an all-day festival which brings together people of all ages to celebrate music and life.

The festival, held on Saturday, June 22, raised money for local charities such as Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, which provides supportive and end-of-life care for adult patients and families who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, such as cancer.

Queen tribute band Rock Q and Oasis tribute band Maybe Oasis led the line-up, while Ska Dogs sang hits from the likes of Madness, The Specials and Bad Manners, The Chilli Fighters fused the music of the Foo Fighters with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers to create a fantastic funk rock set, and The Frets and X factor contestant Jack Mason rounded off a fine main stage line up.

A funfair and festival market added to the family-centric occasion.