MUSIC lovers raised thousands of pounds for charity while dancing into the night to some of Dorset's finest bands.

More than 200 people, old and young, filled Weymouth Pavilion at the weekend for Weysia 2006.

They were treated to a colourful and varied selection of more than 20 acts, covering rock and pop songs and disco and jazz tunes.

Some of the highlights included the young covers band Daze and the more seasoned rockers Gothic Chicken.

EmphaSiS, a young four-piece Weymouth band, rocked the venue with a set of original songs.

The day was divided into two sessions - an afternoon session starting at noon and an evening session finishing just before midnight.

In between bands the crowd was treated to performances from songstress Tia and singer and songwriter Ian Sedwell.

The afternoon's entertainment concluded with a generous dose of Billy Bragg.

He began with a solo performance but went on to play with the Steamer Ducks, alongside session musician Robbie McIntosh.

The Rosetta Life band, also featuring Mr Bragg, gave a moving performance of 'We Laughed' the top 20 hit song penned by Portland mum Maxine Edgington, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The evening session ended with an energetic performance from The Dolmen, who have previously played at the Glastonbury Festival.

Before they took to the stage the crowd enjoyed a set of cover songs from Methane 57.

Guitarist with Methane 57 Peter Smith, 51, said: "We really wanted to be involved this year.

"It's easier just to sit back and let it go on without doing anything but we wanted to help raise money."

Organiser, and singer with the Vending Machine Repairmen, Emma Gale, 36, said: "It's not about the people playing as much as it is about the people turning up to support this."

Firefighter and mum Diane Critchlow, 38, said: "It's been absolutely brilliant.

"The children are having a great time and the bands are fantastic.

"It's a really nice way to have a get-together and to do good."

All the money raised through ticket sales will go towards the disasters emergency committee to help victims of the Pakistan earthquake.

Money was also raised through a raffle of prizes donated by local businesses and the sale of Weysia 2006 T-shirts and CDs.

The first Weysia, held last year, raised £20,000 for victims of the Asian tsunami.