TRIBUTE bands brought a brief blast from the past for crowds relaxing in a town’s park at the weekend.

Live performances from a host of established take-off acts, including Jersey Boys tribute The Ragdolls, Abba Fever, Bryan Adams UK, Spiceygirls, Forever Jackson, Mark Anthony as Prince and Its a Kinda Queen, performed in the welcome sunshine for festival-goers in Ferryhill.

Saturday’s event, the town’s first music festival, was organised by Ferryhill Town Council after its events and community sub-committee sought to provide something new for local people.

FerryFest, as it was dubbed, feastured a wide range of acts to suit all generations and musical tastes.

It was staged with the backing and assistance of Stanley Events Ltd and Devil Management, familiar players in the tribute show scene.

Apart from the music, played from a centre stage in Dean Bank Recreation Park, there was a licensed beer tent, other refreshment and catering stalls, side stalls and children’s entertainment.

Gates for the ticketed event opened from 1pm, with performances from 2pm well into the evening.

The town council will now evaluate its success before a decision is taken over a possible repeat, next year.