Thumping start to Shrewsbury Fields Forever festival

Music fans from across the country descended on the West Mid Showground, off Berwick Road, last night.

The event is a three-day festival. Festival-goers left their wellies at home as the weather held off and international DJs such as Sonny Wharton and Herve got the Invasion dance arena bouncing.

Festival director Dene Edwards, 30, said the campsite had more than doubled in size since its debut show in 2011.

Mr Edwards said they were on course to smash last year's 4,000 visitors with about 7,000 expected across the weekend.

He said: "The first night is a bit of a pre-party but it has been a fantastic reception with a lot of people travelling to be here.

"I've spoken to a lot of Scottish people in particular and those from the North West.

"We think up to 7,000 will walk through the doors over the three days which means this is another stepping stone towards our overall goal of getting 10,000 revellers here."

He added: "We're trying to make this something different for Shrewsbury and Shropshire as a whole and it's great to see the festival growing year on year."

There are about 60 acts on throughout the weekend including The Wombats, Ms Dynamite and Ocean Colour Scene as well as top comedians Mark Watson and Andrew Maxwell.

Vic Bury, 31, of Frankwell, said: "It is really exciting and the campsite is amazing.

"Tonight has been great but we're mostly looking forward to The Wombats."

Kelly Edwards, 22, of Sundorne, said: "This is actually my first ever festival. I'm really excited about the rest of the weekend."