AN extravaganza of live music and entertainment attracted more than 5,000 people to a Redditch park over the weekend- despite the rain.

The annual Morton Stanley Festival, now in its third year, boasted 16 hours of local talent including choirs and acoustic acts as well as famous groups.

The weather could not dampen the spirits of festival-goers who enjoyed a wide variety of live music, craft stalls, a mini food festival and a climbing wall during the two-day event.

Redditch Borough Council organised the weekend, which is the biggest in the town's social calendar, and the largest free open air civic music and entertainment event in the region.

Councillor Bill Hartnett, leader of Redditch Council, said: “Each year this festival gets bigger and better with an ever-increasing programme.

“It’s a great showcase for our local talent and for our residents to come together and enjoy fun for all the family.”

Sam and the Womp, famed for their 2012 number one hit debut single 'Bom Bom', and festival regulars Gypsy Hill, known for their Balkan brass, Mediterranean surf rock, ska and swing sound headlined the event.

Artists from the local area also performed including ska and punk band Plunder, metal four-piece Tides Apart, pop rockers Lost At Home and new four-piece indie emo group Goodbye, Oxford.

The festival took place between Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23 at Morton Stanley Park.