THOUSANDS of revellers enjoyed a range of musical acts and entertainment at the annual Beautiful Days festival at the weekend.

The family-oriented event was back for its ninth year with a line-up that had been described as one of the most vibrant in its history.

Almost 15,000 festival-goers attended the three-day event at Escot Park, near Ottery St Mary, and organisers declared it a resounding success.

Last night the festival founders The Levellers closed the event in typical style with a rousing set full of their greatest hits followed by a traditional fireworks display.

And there was plenty else for the crowd to enjoy throughout the weekend from headliners Big Audio Dynamite and Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine to acts such as The Blockheads, Gentleman's Dub Club and The Mob.

There were five stages in total as well as site art, a huge children's area in the centre of the festival, comedy, theatre, family camping, a healing area, Otter Brewery real ale bars and selected food and craft stalls.

Laura Farrow, of DMF Music, which organises the event, said: "The weather has been great and the festival has gone fantastically well. There is a lovely atmosphere on site with lots of families and kids.

"It is very colourful and we have had some amazing performances.

"Everyone we have seen from the headliners to the Big Top and walkabout performances and theatre shows have been brilliant.

"The feedback we have got has been great. We have built up a really loyal following who come back year after year and bring friends with them.

"The capacity is 15,000 and we sold out in July. We are already starting plans for the tenth anniversary next year.

"We are just so relieved with the weather. It really has brought everything alive and allowed people to explore the site."

Graham Shaw, 52, from Exeter, said: "I have been coming to this festival since it began; we look forward to it every year.

"The rain never puts us off, luckily the sun's coming out and the music this year is spot on."

Sylvie Bryant, 31, of Exeter, said: "It has got such a good family vibe with lots for the children to do. There are so many activities to keep youngsters entertained and the music has been brilliant this year."

Annie Bradbury, 23, a care assistant from Exeter, said: "I have never been here before but it's a wicked festival. I am a Maxxii P fan so I wanted to come and watch him but the bands have been awesome.

"It's quite nice coming to a festival where you don't necessarily know a lot of the bands and can hear new music. It's cool not having to travel far outside of Exeter too."

James Cohen, 34, of Exeter, said: "I have been coming every year and it is my favourite festival of the year. It is just the right size and the atmosphere makes it for me. Everyone is just up for having a good time."

To view photographs from Beautiful Days 2011 click here.