RESIDENTS rocked out for a fundraising gig to cap off a busy weekend in Overton.

After Friday’s wheelbarrow race and after party at Overton Recreation Ground, the venue welcomed more than 400 people for Overton Rocks the following day.

Performers opened the event during an open mic afternoon from 4-7pm, before the music continued into the night with a line-up of five local bands.

David Yardley, one of the event’s organisers alongside Hugh Bridge, said: “We were hoping for a couple hundred and we got double that. It was a very good turnout.”

He added: “Hugh and myself are both passionate about giving the kids of Overton a chance to get together and play music whenever possible.

“Both our sons are in bands and have been playing music since their early teens, and there are a lot of very talented people in and around the village that we think deserve a chance to experience the buzz that you get from playing music to other people.”

Amongst the bands to take to the stage in the evening were Riley K, Mad Magdalen, Fortunate Sons, Near the Roof and The Losers.

Food and refreshments were also provided courtesy of Dolly the 2CV, with over 150 servings of gourmet food sold and 16 boxes of real ale from four local Hampshire breweries consumed.

David added: “There was a massive amount of volunteers from around the village that made the whole weekend possible, with the wheelbarrow race on Friday night and Overton Rocks on Saturday.”

David and Hugh, who together form Bridge Yardley Productions, have further fundraisers planned, including a celebration for Overton Playgroup’s 40th birthday and the Rock Pool showcase to raise money for Lordsfield Swimming Pool.

They also run the regular jam night at the Greyhound, in Overton, on the last Wednesday of every month.