DYMOCK'S Music Festival has raised twice as much as expected, and organisers say they are "bowled over" by the success of last Sunday's crowd-pleasing spectacular (May 25).

The target was for £6,000, and the takings were almost double that - money that will go towards the cost of a new pavilion for the village cricket club.

Festival spokesperson, Sara-Jane Watkins said: "The event lived up to its hype. It was always billed as a community event, showing others that if you want to make a difference and have a really good time whilst doing it, then Dymock knows how.

"With the dull bank holiday weather clearing over to coincide exactly with the opening of the festival, the sunshine brought a sell-out festival crowd, with those that attended begging for this event to be repeated again next year."

She added: "Organisers were thrilled that some of the top performers, including The Beat, were amazed that this festival, only in its third year, had such a following, and they remarked on the professionalism of a highly established music event."

The day sprinted off to a fine start with over 100 runners entering the Dymock half marathon, with the finish line at the festival site.

Race director, Annie Dobson said: " I was staggered at the turn-out and everything could not have been more perfect, in that the weather was cool for the marathon, - turning glorious as many crossed the finishing line."

At noon the gates officially opened to the music festival, with over a dozen live acts throughout the day.

Richard Lee, spokesman for Dymock Cricket Club said: "Over 200 gallons of beer and 80 gallons of cider were drunk, and after staging the whole extravaganza nearly £12,000 has been raised towards Dymock Cricket Club’s five year development plan."

Plans are already being laid for next year's event.

Martin Fowke, leader of the Music Festival team said: "This year’s event was also enabled by many top name local and national sponsors, and without their support and commitment, the event would not have been possible, and we really thank them for helping us with our achievements.

"We will be back, so you better put Sunday May 24, 2015 in your diary now. Thank you to everyone who supported us and made it such a day to remember."