THE debut of Colerne's Festival on the Hill got off to a flyer with hundreds turning out on Saturday.

The Six Bells Inn and the Fox and Hounds pub hosted the inaugural bash which featured 14 bands for a day of music, food, drink and children's activities.

Organiser and local resident Mike Griffiths was overjoyed at how the festival went and is already planning next year's event which he promises will be even bigger and better.

"I am delighted with how it all went, especially after a hectic last few weeks getting everything ready. The feedback I have received has been wonderful - they are already looking forward to next year," said Mr Griffiths, who was the brainchild behind setting up the village's skate park.

"I got the idea from going to the Box Rocks festival and I thought Colerne could do something similar. Since October I have been trying to get the bands in and sorting all the logistics.

"To have nearly 500 people turn out was fantastic. Even the bands were surprised this was our first time as they said it was so slick. Some of the kids were begging their parents not to go as they loved it so much.

"Strangely enough, just a few days after we will have a meeting on how it all went and what we can do to improve it for next year - it is very exciting."

The attendees went back and forth between the two pubs from 12-9pm.

Landlord of the Six Bells Inn, Joe Costa, said: "It was a roaring success. The villagers really embraced the event, like they do whenever the village puts on something special.

"The bands were awesome, we had a fantastic set up with the stage, the sound technicians and it was a great family day too."

Stuart Rolfe, of the Fox and Hounds pub, said: "It went very very well. There was a bit of uncertainty about how it would go for a first attempt but it really surpassed everyone's expectations and was a great day out.

"Mike has done a terrific job pretty much single-handedly so he deserves massive credit. This could be the start of something special."