THE organisers of Oxfordshire’s Truck music festival have praised revellers and artists after the biggest event so far and vowed to make next year’s event larger and longer.

A capacity crowd of 6,000 packed Hill Farm, Steventon, for the two-day event, which came to an end in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Highlights came courtesy of indie-rock band The Charlatans, electro–rock outfit Public Service Broadcasting, New Order and Joy Division star Peter Hook, and dance act Basement Jaxx – who headlined on Saturday night with an extravagant stage show complete with flamboyant dancers, performers in gorilla outfits, and an explosion of confetti.

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Singer/songwriter Jake Isaac on the main stage

Organiser Ralph Broadbent said: “It was an awesome weekend. The atmosphere was vibrant and people had a really good time. For the course of the two days, Truck is like a small town – with its own policing, welfare and medical services – and everyone having a big night out.

“Yet there is really no trouble and everyone gets on well, making friends with strangers – it’s great.”

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Mr Broadbent said the success of this weekend’s expanded event paved the way for a three-day festival next year, with a capacity of 10,000.

“I’d really like to go up to 10,000,” he said.

“We could have done it this year, but we have set the ball rolling for a bigger festival with more space and more attractions.”

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The main stage

He said the highlight of the weekend was the show by Basement Jaxx.

Festival goers included Truck regular Erica Bingley, from East Hendred.

She said: “This year’s Truck was a fabulous event – with great bands, a new site layout and even a new bridge across the stream. “And of course, we had perfect festival weather.

“The highlights for me were The Charlatans, The Magic Gang, Danny & The Champions of the World, and the unmissable Basement Jaxx.

“There was a fun, family atmosphere – and it’s right on our doorstep. What is there not to like?”

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Youngsters ride high on the ferris wheel

Music-lover Mark Heelis, of Abingdon, said it had been a great event, but he added that lessons needed to be learned regarding its organisation if it was to grow.

He said: “There was a terrific line-up and the expanded site gave more room and much-improved food and drink options.

“However, there were delays getting on and off the site, with some people queuing in their cars for up to two hours to leave, and also long queues for food and other things.”

“On the whole it was still a cracking weekend though.”

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The crowds on Saturday afternoon

Musician Mike Gale, of Winchester, was playing with his band Co-Pilgrim – which also features the multi-instrumentalist Joe Bennett, who set up Truck with his brother Robin in 1998.

He said: “I’ve been coming to Truck festival for years and it is my favourite festival.

“There’s just a lovely relaxed atmosphere and lots of friends. I love it.”

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Lucy Cropper of Death of HiFi

He treated the audience to a set featuring new songs from the band’s forthcoming new album.

Rebecca Leech, of Oxford, was enjoying her first Truck festival.

The chef, originally from Ireland, said: “This was my first English festival and I loved it – it has been great fun.

“It’s friendly, the music is amazing and it’s been so much fun hanging out with friends.

“I wish other music festivals were like this.”