A HOMEGROWN festival attracted hundreds of people – and raised money for a very good cause.

The seventh annual Chesil Rocks event in Langton Herring enjoyed sizzling temperatures and sunshine across the weekend, with plenty of entertainment provided by locally-based musicians.

Organisers Tim and Hilary Warren said around 500 people came through the gates and, with proceeds still being counted, they are hopeful of once again raising a substantial amount for beneficiary Samaritans of Dorset.

Mrs Warren said: “The weather really made it just extra special. People were commenting on the quality of music and the performers were very diverse.”

Entertainment was provided by WTF Band, The Leylines, the Leggomen, Pop Club and Mr and Mrs Warren’s own daughter, Sarah de Warren. The only non-local band was the London Gay Men’s Chorus, who organisers said were very popular.

Mr Warren said preparations are already beginning for next year’s event, with hopes for an even more diverse line-up.

He said: “We had a Caribbean-themed cocktail bar at the event this year so it would be great to get some reggae music on the line-up next year, for example.”

Mr Warren added that the event had a ‘very special atmosphere’ and provided fun and entertainment for all the family. One youngster, five-year-old Luke Kilsby, was amongst some lucky audience members to be invited onto the stage during the Leylines set and got to have a go on the drums.

“He has now told all of his classmates that he’s a rock star and his ambition is to be a drummer,” Mr Warren said.

Mrs Warren said she would ‘never have thought’ that the event would grow to be so successful when it began seven years ago. Her own daughter, and other children from the village have grown up with it, she added.

“There are lots of people to thank, including the Portesham volunteers, and volunteers from Langton Herring, our friend John Lewis for arriving two weeks ago to set everything up, farmer Robert Mayo for providing a field for people to park their cars, my daughter Sarah for performing and mum for helping out.

“The event usually raises around a quarter of Samaritans of Dorset’s annual budget. That’s our goal every year and anything above that is a bonus.”