HUNDREDS of fans were rocked ataColchester music festival.

Cosmic Puffin, now in its eighth year, took place between Friday and Sunday at Mersea Youth Camp, in Rewsalls Lane, Mersea Island.

More than 100 bands – including festival favourites the Newtown Kings–entertained crowds at five stages while a number of creative workshops were also held.

The event raised money for the Autistic Society, Bliss, which provides care for premature babies and their families, and patient support group Ald Life, which care for patients and families with adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare inherited disorder affecting the adrenal glands and white matter of the brain, and adrenomyeloneuropathy, a genetic neuro-degenerative disease which is the adult onset of adrenoleukodystrophy.

Ashleigh Masters tweeted: “Cracking time at @Cosmic Puffin8 despite the weather of course.”

Band Metropolis also said: “Brilliant gig @CosmicPuffin8 festival last night.

“Thanks to Simon for making it happen, and to everyone who cheered us on. Let do it again!”

William Gladwell, who plays in Akio Wild, added: “@Cosmic Puffin8 thanks for having my band Akio Wild today!

The crowd loved it and I would be well up for doing it again next year.”

Proceeds for the charities are still being counted at the moment.