ELEVEN local acts played alongside some impromptu guests for an enthusiastic crowd at AmpFest, despite a late venue change and some challenging weather.

The event took place on Saturday, June 7, at Midsomer Norton Rugby Club, with the opening act of The Pix starting the show at 11am. They were followed by Phantom, and then Ellie & Maddie.

The heavens then opened during The Audiophiles’ set, forcing the sound engineers to switch off the PA and protect the equipment.

As the rain subsided, a couple of impromptu acoustic acts kept everyone entertained, as the audio equipment was reassembled. Fortunately for the crowd, The Audiophiles were able to return and finish their set.

The Midsomer Norton Scouts improvised in the rain by erecting some emergency gazebos in front of the stage, which were quickly filled as people gathered to see Cerebellum and the Paulton Ukulele Band.

Revenants and Loophole played sets that had the crowd dancing and singing along, before Cult of the Velvet Rattlesnake kept them engaged with their grungy sound.

Jon Parry would go on to close the show, finishing at 9.30pm.

Everyone involved was a local volunteer from the bands, the sound engineers and the Scouts.

Midsomer Norton town councillor Gordon Mackay said: "Midsomer Norton has so much talent, and an amazing community spirit; when that comes together, it’s amazing what we can achieve.

“Thanks to all the performers who played for free, the sound engineers who gave their time and expertise and everyone who put in weeks of effort to pull this off. The Rugby Club were really accommodating, with Alex Davis helping at every stage. The Community Trust lent the sound and electrical equipment which was recently purchased with a grant from the West of England Combined Authority.

“Everyone has been so positive about the event, AmpFest 26, I’m not ruling it out.”