FROM a party gazebo to a circus-style big top, Warrington Music Festival’s second stage has certainly grown over the years.

The event was launched in 2007 with much of the funding raised by the town’s artists.

So with limited money for an extra stage, organiser Steve Oates borrowed a gazebo that was used for a friend’s wedding.

He said: “Living up to my reputation as dullest party-goer in the world, I spent much of the evening assessing the legs of the tent for 'sturdiness' and pestering the groom for the instruction manual.”

As you can see from the picture, the gazebo struggled against the elements before it was fixed in place but it was a success.

Steve added: “The humble gazebo was replaced in 2008 and from then on we've steadily improved the quality of the second stage and we're really excited that this year we'll be able to house the performance area within a festival big top.”

The 18m big top in Bank Park will be used for a line-up of hard rock and metal bands between 5.30pm and 10.30pm on Friday, July 18.

It will also be used for the Proms In The Park concert from 6pm on Saturday, July 19.

Steve said: “Compared to today's event, the gazebo stage was quite a modest affair.

“But the involvement of young people was and still is vital to this success of this event.

“It's an opportunity to raise aspirations and to perform alongside more established bands and musicians in the wider music community.”