ONE of the greatest rock musicians of all time provided a major boost to Tenbury when he put in an appearance at the town’s first ever music festival.

Robert Plant, who became a rock legend more than 40 years ago as the lead singer with Led Zeppelin, was seen at The Burgage as the music got underway.

The veteran rocker has collected numerous accolades including a CBE and although best known for his vocal prowess he is also famous for writing the lyrics to a long list of Led Zeppelin classics.

Music fans from as far away as Scotland were able to join Mr Plant at the event. Nearly 1,000 people descended upon the town for the festival.

The organisers have pledged to make it a regular event but have called upon more businesses in the town to support it.

Festival fans were able to listen to nearly 12 hours of continuous music that had the town rocking and rolling until just before midnight with some people dancing under the stars on the longest day of the year.

The festival on Saturday (June 21) started just after noon followed by sets throughout the afternoon, evening and into the night.

It was just before 8pm when the headline act Andy Fairweather Low took to the stage to provide a memorable climax.

At the heart of the music festival was a string of local acts who supported the more established performers.

“A big thanks to the Fabulous Bordellos, Robert Plant, the wonderful Deborah Rose, Hot Climate, the O'Farrell's Frolics, Blacks and Blues, Mumbo Jumbo, the mighty Pigdaze, Grey Wolf, and the extraordinary brilliant Robbie Blunt Band,” said Graham James, one of the organisers.

Mr James described the festival as ‘a great success’ and not just for the music. He believes that it gave a boost to businesses in the town.

“Traders have told me that they there were more people coming into the shops than usual and spending money,” Mr James said.

“We are very pleased how it went and there was a tremendous atmosphere throughout the day and especially in the evening.”

Mr James said that the event was only possible because of Lottery funding and support from businesses in the town that sponsored the festival.

But he said that only a small number of Tenbury businesses had chosen to sponsor the first festival and he hopes that more of them will get on- board next year.

The organisers believe that the festival can bring even more people into Tenbury in the future that will benefit the town and its traders.

“We are trying to do something for the town and we need the town to support us,” Mr James added.

He said that it was encouraging that people coming to listen to the music were not just from Tenbury but from further away and the hope is that in future the festival will become established as a national event.

A total of 27 caravans and 19 camping tents took the opportunity to stay on the site.

After a brief rest the organisers say that the planning for next year will begin in August and the 2016 Tenbury Music Festival is already in the diary for Saturday, June 18 next year.