The Old Court Hotel at Symonds Yat hosted its 21st Free Summer Garden Party to raise funds for local charities.

From 1pm–8pm, their gardens came alive with live music, delicious food and a fantastic family atmosphere with live music from talented local bands and artists, a hog roast from 2pm and their full menu served all day Two bars open throughout the event, Ice creams, The Wandering Chapter Book Van Ynni Kamado BBQ demonstrations.

Sunday 28th June saw performances by top local bands and Wild Oats Morris Dancers.

The charity this year was Pegasus which helps to aid men’s welfare and prevent suicide.

Spencer James guitarist for the famous Searchers assisted with the PA and signed autographs

Highlight of the event was when a young man got up on the stage went down on one knee and in front of the 600 or so audience proposed to his girlfriend who they are delighted to say, accepted his proposal.

“I have never seen anything like that before in my many years in entertainment “ said Tony Davis who organised the event.

Jono Smith Milne joint owner of the Old Court said “ He is local lad and I had an idea he might do something like that”

Wild Oats Morris put their fee for the event into the charity’s bucket and many local businesses contributed prizes to the raffle.

The bands who played were Banshee, The Hickory Stick Boys, Natalie, Big Jim and American Eric, The Jolly boys and Serf a promising young band from Ross.

Whether you’r came for the music, the food, a cold drink in the sunshine or a fun afternoon with the family, there was something for everyone.