Wolvestock a hit as thousands head to East Park

With many sporting cowboy hats, boots and gun holsters, the two day festival in Wolverhampton's East Park featured some of the finest acts of the genre from both Britain and across the pond in the USA.

Top performers in country music that played the event this year included Swing Commanders, John Taylor Band, Lass Vegas, and Two Card Trick

Those dedicated enough to set up camp for the weekend got the best of and worst of the British summer time.

While Saturday day saw the mercury rise to 24C (74F) by evening Wolverhampton like most of the region was battered by torrential rain that resulted in some performances cut short.

But still those left braving the weather weren't fazed as they line danced with their brollies up and wellies on.

The event, which has run for 19 years, controversially charged an admission price for the first time this year as Wolverhampton City Council looked to raise £10,000 from the weekend.

When the measures were announced city councillor Malcolm Gwinnet slammed the decision and said: "People around East Park are not going to pay £6 just to visit their own local park, even if Wolvestock is taking place."

But by the look of a packed campsite filled with confederate flags and banners it was clear those who came from further afield to the event weren't put off by the £6 per adult price.

Mother-of-one from Coseley, Sarah Keegan wasn't happy with the parking prices, she said: "You pay £10 for a weekend pass then £6 per day for parking for each car. When there's a family of you that soon adds up.

"I don't mind paying to get in because £6 is a fair price but the parking charge was shocking because I hadn't seen it advertised anywhere. We only found out as we drove toward East Park."

Her mother Beryl, a catering manager from Derby, said: "There's about six of us who come every year and we have a girls weekend enjoying the music and line dancing. That's what makes this event what it is."

Ken Keegan added: "As soon as we get the leaflet through the door we booked to come back, we love coming here that much."

Ralph Marshall, aged 60, a research biologist from Guildford said: "It's my sixth time coming here and it's always been a great occasion. We come as a group up here we enjoy it. I can sit near my caravan and listen to the music, no problem.

"It is a very well organised event, we bring the caravan and we have to pay for the weekend but I'm glad that people are being charged for parking and admission because it's not just caravans subsidising the event now.

"There's some top bands and the highlight for me was Gone Country performing."

Gill Bye from Fleet in Hampshire said: "I've been here in the past when it's been pouring down with rain and we've been line dancing with our wellies on. It's always a nice friendly atmosphere."

Her husband Rod Bye added: "We go to not only Wolvestock but other similar events around the country and you always see the same faces. It's a bit like following a football team around."

Lester Owen, 68, from Telford, was attending Wolvestock for the first time he said: "We do a lot of these shows and a friend from Manchester recommended it to me. You don't think of going to something like this that is on your doorstep so me and my wife decided to give it a try.