A NEW music festival which aimed to pull in the pounds for a good cause attracted hundreds of people to Tadley at the weekend.

Almost 1,000 people flocked to the ground of Tadley Calleva Football Club at Barlow’s Park, Tadley on Saturday for the first-ever Tadley Tea Party.

The event, organised by Jason Nash and Pete Newton which included 12 hours of music and attractions, was officially opened by the new deputy mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Jane Frankum.

Those attending on the day could sample food and drink from a number of local eateries including Tadley Tandoori and the Tadley Calleva Clubhouse Bar.

Local boyband Concept was introduced to the crowd at the main Wonderland stage on Saturday evening by newly-crowned Miss Basingstoke, Nicola Ascroft, and other acts to feature included Johnny Marvel’s Blues Groove, The Firm and Rob Unique’s School Disco.

The Mad Hatter’s Dance Party also showcased the talent of DJs Roger Moffatt, Joe Vickers, Jay P and Paul Casey.

Children were entertained with a number of activities including fun fair rides, a bouncy castle and face painting, and artists from Concrete Sketchbook created a number features including a special Alice in Wonderland design.

Mother-of-two Natalie Stuart, of Franklin Avenue, Tadley told The Gazette: “It has been really good and we know Jason. The kids are enjoying it and it is good that it raises money for charity in the local area.”

Rachel Fisher, who was at the event with her three children, added: “It has been really good. I have really enjoyed it and there is a lot for the kids to do and you can listen to the music.

“It has been really well organised and the kids have had a great time.”

Mr Nash said: “It went really well. The sun really made it for our first year. Volunteers from Tadley Calleva FC worked tirelessly to help produce a fabulous day for the whole community.

“The totals are still being counted but we believe Tadley Tea Party will be able to donate around £1,000 to the Helping Hands Charity Shop in Tadley.

"This is an outstanding achievement in our first year and gives us a solid foundation on which to build. Thank you so much to everyone that attended.

"We are hoping to be bigger and better next year and now we have got something now where people before didn’t know what to expect.”