A MUSIC festival raised more than £1,500 for the MS Society.

Sunny Fest at the Sunny Sailor in Fullbridge, Maldon, saw 800 punters and music lovers turn out to enjoy the sun.

The festival boasted eight bands on the day, with all the money raised going towards the MS Society, which supports people suffering from multiple sclerosis and their families.

John Adds, the pub landlord, was ecstatic with the turnout on the day.

He said: “It was a smashing success, we sold out on the charity hog roast and raised £400 on that alone.

“The total was over £1,200 with the collection buckets included.

“The bands who played made a splash with the crowds too. The weather was beautiful all day long, and our MC in charge, DJ Marky Mark, host with the most, kept things running smoothly and the crowds entertained between bands.

“Everybody who participated did the Sunny Sailor and the MS Society proud and we couldn’t be happier with how it went, and a huge thanks to everybody who turned up and for supporting a worthy cause.

“Bands are already requesting to play next year, so high hopes for Sunnyfest ’20.”

The idea for the festival Saturday, June 1 came as a way of paying tribute to the mother of Adam Topliss. She died of multiple sclerosis eight years ago and Mr Adds carried her coffin into her funeral.

Adam’s band - called Not Adam - headlined the festival, with music also coming from Headfirst and the Strapless. Mr Adds said: The Sunnyfest fell on her birthday, so we decided we could get as many bands as possible to play to honour her memory and raise what we can to support the charity. “The MS Society has been a cause very close to my heart ever since her passing.”