THE sun shone down on Severn End at Hanley Castle for the start of the Mello Festival on Friday.

Crowds of music fans flocked to the historic estate, which has been owned by the Lechmere family for generations, for the first day of the festival.

The festivalgoers could look forwards to a Friday afternoon and evening line-up headed by local heroes The Wonder Stuff from Stourbridge, and also featuring The Kar-pets, with Tom Hingley of the Inspiral Carpets, Independent Country, Liberty Artillery, Jeremy Johnson, Neon Creatures and Katy Hurt.

A spokesman said: “The fourth annual Mello Festival will play host to music from the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club, The Brand New Heavies, Goldie Lookin Chain, Incognito, The Wonder Stuff, EMF, Don Letts, Stereo MC’s and many more fantastic bands.

“We’re delighted to be welcoming the awesome Incognito to the festival. They will be bringing their full formation of fifteen musicians along."