First class music was the star at this year’s Faversham Hop Festival which scored yet again with thousands of visitors and glorious sunshine.

Organiser Mike Peters said the feedback from musicians and landlords was overwhelming.

This year, pubs throughout the town set up their own stages for live music and most are planning to do the same again.

Mike said: “It was magical. It rained everywhere else exept in Faversham. Every musician I’ve spoken to since said they were really tired but they had a wonderful time.”

Among the top attractions was Hamish Stuart and his band who drew a huge following to the market square and the Railway Hotel’s new stage was a great success.

Mike, who plays bass guitar with Hot Rats, stepped in at the last minute at the Railway on Saturday afternoon when Jumbo Gumbo’s guitarist was held up on the M2 after an accident.

“I happened to be there so I ran off to get the guitar. The guy mixing the sound was a very good classically trained fiddle player and he asked if I fancied playing Cajun. “Then Rory McCloud who had been performing at Faversham Folk Club rushed to his car and got his trombone and we had this amazing band.”

•For more pictures from the hop festival, see this week’s Faversham News.