IT WAS almost a case of singing in the rain when a host of top bands turned out for an open-air festival.

At its peak the Sound 2000 event attracted 6,000 people, said one of the organisers Dave Fullalove, although yesterday's wet weather almost threw the event into jeopardy half way through.

"Rain got in some of the equipment in the main control desk which caused problems," said Dave, a member of the Sound Steering Group which helped co-ordinate the festival in Oakhill Park along with Mid Pennine Arts and Hyndburn Council.

"We had to make everything safe and moved everything to the marquee which sort of improved the atmosphere. It was an excellent day."

The festival was the main feature of the Sound 2000 programme which had put on a series of concerts during the last few weeks. And although the weather was not the best the crowd's spirit certainly was not dampened as they cheered on triumphant sets from acts such as Burnley band Concise, Angelic from Lancaster, girl-group sensations Bliss from Padiham and headlining act Maupa.

Singer-songwriter Ian Bond however rued missing his big chance.

Ian, from Accrington was asked to play after being spotted by organisers who offered him a last minute slot.

But just as he was striking his first chord. disaster was striking the sound desk which spluttered to a stop.

After rearranging the venue to the marquee Ian lost his time slot and his chance to shine.

This was the eighth such music festival and Dave said it would be back next year "bigger and better than ever".

"This one wasn't the biggest," he added. "But it certainly was the most eventful."