THE sun shone down and the bands came out to rock Splendour Festival 2016 in Nottingham last weekend.

Thousands of spectators flocked to Wollaton Park on Saturday, July 23- and Redditch Advertiser reporter Liz Sharpe was one of them.

After spending a relaxed afternoon chilling and appreciating local band These Your Children– my restful nature was disturbed by the incredible 70s punk rock band Stiff Little Fingers lighting up the Confetti Stage.

Their infectious tunes got people dancing – including myself.

After hugely enjoying Jamie Lawson’s performance at Oxford’s Common People festival, the opportunity to see him to perform to an even bigger crowd seemed like a chance not to be missed.

His amazing Wasn't Expecting That – brings a tear to your eye and Ahead of Myself, gives you a fantastic uplift.

The end of his set on Splendour’s main stage was marked with a surprise balloon release for Notts tv.

British reggae and pop band UB40 gave a fabulous performance with everyone expected to sing along- especially to Red Red Wine.

Eccentric electronic new wave 70s band Human League put on a show of crazy costumes and belted out some fantastic classic hits including Mirror Man – but sadly I had to dart back over to the confetti stage so as not to miss The Darkness.

And it was worth it. Justin Hawkins took to the stage in a purple catsuit that Freddy Mercury would have been proud of.

There was a problem with microphones, but Justin made the issue all part of the performance - asking the audience to pick their favourite microphone.

The band belt out two of my favourite hits- One Way Ticket and Love is only a feeling – it was all quite emotional.

Splendour is a fantastic day out for all the family.

• Festival goers can bring food and some soft drinks, which is great for families, however as I was unprepared and did not bring my own food I was concerned food stalls may be limited but this is not the case. I enjoyed wonderful chicken skewers from vendor ‘It’s All Greek to Me’.

Tickets for Splendour 2017, which will be returning to Wollaton Park on Saturday, July 22, are on sale now.

For more information or to book visit splendourfestival.com/tickets.