Sophie Ellis-Bextor shines on day two of Watchet Music Festival

The sun shone once again making for a fabulous festival atmosphere in Watchet.

The afternoon was set up in style by Watchet Music Festival's second 'house band' The Bar Steward Sons of Val Doonican, with their uproarious comedy songs and frontman Scott Doonican literally crowdsurfing on a polystyrene bodyboard.

Scott said: "Watchet Music Festival has really helped us. We are a small independent comedy band and Mark and Jackie spotted us playing at Beautiful Days Festival several years ago and booked us.

"We obviously made a good impression because we have been invited back ever since and we love coming here, it feels like coming home."

There was plenty going on throughout the day with a charity cycle challenge set up by the Freddie Pring Memorial Fund proving popular.

Freddie died aged 20 after falling from a balcony in Majorca three months ago. His mum Heather said she had been amazed by the support of the community for the fund. 

"People have really got behind the memorial fund, taking on sponsorship challenges and donating.

"We have raised £7,000 in just over 10 weeks and we are well on our way to ourtarget of raising £10,000 by Christmas."

Legendary soul band Hot Chocolate had everyone grooving in the afternoon sun - opening their set with the huge crowdpleaser 'Every1's a Winner' and closing with 'You Sexy Thing'. "You were probably conceived to this song," says lead singer Kennie Simon.

In the evening it was Sophie Ellis-Bextor who took the main stage by storm.

The singer bounced around the stage, charming the crowd and showcasing the variety of her back catalogue with moving ballad 'Young Blood', the Waltz tempo of 'Love is a Camera', a stomping medley of Lady (Hear Me Tonight) by Mojo, Moloko's 'Sing It Back' and her own 'Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)' before closing with a riproaring take of 'Murder On The Dancefloor'.

Sophie took the time to speak to the County Gazette before going on stage.

"I always bring my disco, it is Saturday on a really sunny beautiful evening. I'll be playing songs people know, songs people can dance to through to songs about witches such as 'Love is a Camera' to others inspired by Russian Literature. Quite a cross section I hope people will enjoy!," Sophie said.

"Watchet is adorable, everyone has been so friendly it feels like we've been welcomed into the Watchet family.

"If you are lucky enough to get a nice day like this then everyone is just in the best mood. I also like the challenge of trying to entertain people who might not normally come to see me."

Closing out a fantastic evening were rock band Embrace who wowed the crowd with some top rock anthems including 'Ashes' and the Chris Martin-penned 'Gravity'.