CHIPPFEST will return next year according to its two organisers after its showpiece event in John Coles Park was enjoyed by hundreds on Saturday.

Both organisers, Andy Thatcher and Brian Reid from Chippenham FM, confirmed that the positive response off the back of the ten-day festival of music, arts and drama has encouraged them to return bigger and better next year.

During the festival’s main event, Rockin The Park, nine bands performed from the park’s bandstand throughout the afternoon coinciding with Chippenham Town Council’s official opening of the new splash pad at a family fun day.

Organiser and Chippenham FM DJ, Brian Reid, said: “I am incredibly proud of the team of people. It was a fabulous, idyllic day and I want to make it an annual event.

“We wanted to do something in the town to celebrate local talent; we wanted to bring diversity and to make everyone feel welcome with an event that would resonate in the community.

“There’s so much diverse and brilliant talent in Chippenham so to be able to give those bands the opportunity to play in front of hundreds of people in the park was great.”

One of the final acts of Chippfest was Chippenham comedy festival organiser Wil Hodgson, who hosted an open mic comedy night at the Old Road Tavern, which included a performance from Mr Reid, on Sunday night.

It helped to bring the curtain down on the festival, which has been raising money for Dorothy House hospice care and Doorway.

Andy Thatcher said: “It was absolutely brilliant. We could not have asked for a better ten days. I see no reason why we should not do it again.

“We were really pleased with how it went.”

ChippFest was not alone in bringing the crowds into John Coles Park on Saturday, as the town council’s family fun day saw all manner of activities and the official opening of the £85,000 splash pad.

Town mayor, David Powell, who cut the ribbon on the new play area, said: “It was a fantastic day which achieved its aim of brining the council the public together.

“We are all delighted with the splash pad. We always thought it would be popular. It’s a very welcome addition to what’s available at the park and it’s very family friendly which we want to encourage.”

Young and old could find entertainment on the day with staff from Chippenham Museum and Heritage centre who created a teddy bear treasure trail and hosted a teddy bears’ picnic while circus skills and football games with the staff from Stanley Park were also well attended.