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Crowds gather for best Harvest Moon Festival yet
Beccles Harvest Moon 2017. Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
A selection of musical talent was given the chance to shine on Saturday as the annual Harvest Moon Festival returned to Beccles.
Maizie Walsh, Neil Aldred's niece, gave a rousing performance. Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
The popular event, held at the town's quay, was celebrating its 10th year.
Since 2007, Harvest Moon has provided budding musicians with a platform to showcase their material to hundreds of enthusiastic visitors.
This year's festival was dedicated to the memory of Neil Aldred, who died in June after being diagnosed with cancer.
Hundreds enjoyed a day of live music. Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
To music fans, Neil was known as DJ Dominator and his talents saw him play across the world and secure signings with prestigious drum and bass labels.
Hi mum, Jula Janney, is chairman of the Beccles Community Arts committee, which organises the event.
Mrs Janney expressed her delight at the outstanding success of this year's festival.
Falling From Trees performing at the Harvest Moon Music Festival. Picture: Geoff White. - Credit: Archant
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'The day was fantastic; we thought the festivals in previous years had been good, but this one was by far the best,' she said.
'We exceeded all expectations with the attendance and weather-wise we had a great day.'
First on the bill were Banana Moon, who got proceedings under way at noon.
Organiser Jula Janney, who is Neil's mum, with Maizie Walsh. Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
The day's other acts included folk band Falling From Trees, the shanty-singing Lowestoft Longshoremen and rockers Killing Floor.
Also performing was Mrs Janney's granddaughter and Neil's niece, Maizie Walsh, whose performance included an emotional dedication to her uncle with her song 'Resurrected.'
'Neil played at the very first festival back in 2007. Despite a difficult last few months, putting on the festival is what he would have wanted me to do,' added Mrs Janney.
The festival is a great platform for budding musicians to showcase their talents to a large audience. Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
'I hope we - his family and friends - did him proud.
'One of my son's songs was played and everyone was jumping!'
Proceeds from the event, including a raffle and numerous donations, will go towards the campaign to build a permanent stage at the quay to be used by the whole community.
The Fool's Moon on stage. Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
Mrs Janney commended the contribution of everyone who made the festival a success.
'So many people chipped in and no one ever makes a fuss. People were just happy to be there and happy to help,' she said.
'Without the people of Beccles, the festival wouldn't exist.'
This was the 10th anniversary of the festival. Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
Killing Floor closing the set at the Harvest Moon Music Festival in Beccles. Picture: Amy Smith. - Credit: Archant
