THOUSANDS of music lovers were rocking in the rain at a rip-roaring music festival on Sunday.

After a dry start to Festwich 2015 on Saturday, things took a rather soggy turn on the second and final day, as showers fell throughout the afternoon.

Revellers were determined not to be beaten, however, and simply donned their raincoats and grabbed their umbrellas so they could keep dancing in their wellies into the evening.

Throughout the weekend, 10,000 ticket holders flocked to St Mary's Park to enjoy dozens of live bands in the fourth year of the tribute act festival, for which entry is free.

Among the highlights was Freddy Mercury appreciation group Supreme Queen, who dazzled as the finale act.

Brian Jones, aged 40, from Swinton, released his inner rocker for the festival and got his face painted in the style of Kiss, as cover band Dressed To Kill headlined on Saturday.

He said: "Overall it was just simply amazing. It is such a friendly and family-orientated festival.

"The bands were amazing and the whole event was free as well. The Queen and Nirvana tributes were the highlight for me. Who needs Glastonbury when I've got Festwich at my doorstep?

"It's the second time I've been and each year just seems to get better.

"Staff and everyone on site were really helpful. Everyone just wanted to have fun and rock out."

Emma Manock, aged 17, of Prestwich, said: "I thought that Festwich is a brilliant festival to be involved in.

"The weather didn't stop anyone. People thoroughly enjoyed it in the horrible rain."

Laura Hitchen, aged 25, who came from Wigan, said: "I thought it was really good.

"It was my second time there and I really enjoyed myself. I think it's cool to have a festival that caters to people who listen to rock and metal and with it being free, it's a big plus."

Organisers said they received no complaints from neighbours, although there were a few gripes expressed online, with parking problems on Deyne Avenue highlighted.

Festwich organiser Jools Taylor said: "The festival was yet again a huge success.

"It's grown in popularity year on year and we pride ourselves on being a family friendly festival.

"People certainly came out for it, even on Sunday when the weather wasn't great. The festival spirit was fantastic.

"All the bands who played were brilliant

"People travel from all corners of the UK now to come to Festwich which is fantastic and obviously boosts the local economy. You couldn't get a hotel room in Prestwich.

"We love what we do and as long as the masses enjoy, it's long live Festwich.

"It's a tough act to follow from this weekend, but we've got some very exciting ideas for 2016."