Thousands of people turned out for Newport County’s inaugural music festival yesterday.

Children cartwheeled across the grass at Rodney Parade as their parents chilled with cold drinks, enjoying music from three stages, dance acts and BBQ food.

Newport County AFC and the Supporters’ Trust put on the event.

There was a party atmosphere, not only thanks to the sunshine and music, but also to celebrate County’s return to the Football League after 25 years.

A steady stream of people arrived from the street, while inside kids sat on their parents’ shoulders to see the acts better.

Headliners included Rhys and Eggsy from Goldie Lookin’ Chain, ska band 2 Rude, Ragsy (from The Voice), local band The Sick Livers, Alex Davies from Britain’s Got Talent and John Lilygreen, the Newport man who represented Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2010.

There was also a space for break dancing and performances from local dance studios, as well as stalls, a bouncy castle and a ‘Bad Man versus Food’ chilli eating challenge.

The event started at 2pm and went on until 10pm, with tickets costing £3.

Money made from the festival will go towards putting on similar events in the future.

Rebeka Noor, 29, came to the festival after her 18-month-old son Zaydan heard music and started to dance, asking her to take him inside.

She said: "He heard the music and he just wanted to come in. It’s a good way of bringing the community together."

Kelly Wollan, 24, from Duffryn, said: "It’s awesome. My nan’s husband has just had his photo taken with Pipe (Newport County’s captain) so that’s his day made."

Garry Northwood, 43, is a season ticket holder so is no stranger to Rodney Parade. He said: "I hope they will do something like this in the future. It’s a good day out."