Hundreds flocked to Waterside Festival at The Pilgrim Inn at Marchwood this week.
650 tickets were sold for the event on 16 July featuring acts including S Club 7’s Jo O’Meara and Antony Costa from Blue.
A last-minute change meant Costa filled in for Blue bandmate Simon Webbe, who was originally scheduled to perform but unable to make the event.
Event organiser and Manager of The Pilgrim Inn, Matt England, said: “My idea for the event was focused on providing the local Waterside community something different and exciting each year.
“Having a mix of local talent and recognised artists will hopefully bring exposure to younger artists or groups that haven’t reached those highs yet, along with providing the area with a rarely-seen experience of celebrities here.”
“All the acts were really looking forward to performing.”
The main vocalist from 10 million album-selling S Club 7 Jo O’Meara was adored by the crowd delivering incredible vocals on her own songs and all the bands old hits.
The crowd were soon relieved of any disappointment of Webbe’s absence when Costa delivered a superb set of all the bands’ well-known hits.
O’Meara and Costa were joined by Ben Ofoedu of Phats & Small and R&B star Shola Ama also taking to the stage.
Ofoedu’s first set warmed up the crowd before the evenings big-name performers and a second DJ/MC set afterwards finished the victorious evening well.
A Waterside Festival attendee said: “I haven’t been ‘out out’ properly since the pandemic, it feels amazing to be out again. And tonight is unreal!”
The event donated part of ticket sales to local mental health chartiy Solent Mind and tree planting organisation We Do Ethical.
England said: “We hope that in future years, we can grow the event further and probably look for larger premises within the Waterside area, holding more locals and providing more exciting entertainment.”
Vendors including Filly Your Face, Vibrant Forest Bar , HMS Spirits and Sam Milton Photography were also in attendance.
Other performers earlier in the day included Lucas Raye, Joe Chilcott, Ella Faith, Calum Gardener, En Masse Pop & Rock Choir, and Voulez Vouz Abba tribute.
For more information on The Pilgrim Inn go to www.pilgriminnmarchwood.co.uk.
