AFTER two hectic weeks of planning, friends, family and music fans packed into Priestley College to celebrate the life of Viola Beach guitarist River Reeves during a concert in his memory.

The legacy of the 19-year-old from Grappenhall Heys will live on in Rivfest - a musical tribute to the teenager who was set to make his mark on the notoriously-difficult entertainment industry.

The first Rivfest was held on Saturday with performances from The RPMs, The Look Outs, The Bogtrotters, The Reveurs, The Tapestry and No Hot Ashes.

Family friend Rae Carr, who is a trustee of the River Reeves Foundation set up in his memory, said: "We were all sat around Ben and Sharon's [River's dad and stepmum’s] kitchen table when they both said they wanted to make it happen this year.

"They are a formidable couple and they want to do what they can for River's memory.

"He had a short but incredible life and so many people want to honour that.

"The amount of work that went on behind the scenes was unbelievable but it was worth it.

"We are already looking ahead to 2017. If you think what we can do in two weeks just imagine what we are going to pull off next year."

The River Reeves Foundation was launched in the wake of the tragic news that the 19-year-old had been killed alongside fellow band members Kris Leonard, Tomas Lowe, Jack Dakin and manager Craig Tarry following a car crash in Sweden on February 13.

River's family now hope to celebrate his 'short but wonderful life' by providing bursaries and grants for young people across Warrington to give them the financial help to build a future within the arts, theatre and music industry.

River's sister Stella Judson, 35, who made the emotional trip to Warrington, described the night as 'incredible' and praised the tireless efforts of those involved.

She said: "It was another example of the Warrington community coming together to build an event that supports the lasting legacy of River and Viola Beach.

"He would be so proud of the whole day.

“The performances from several young bands including our brother Gabriel and his bank Pink Lady were fantastic, and showcased exactly the kind of talented people that the River Reeves Foundation can help in the coming years.

"Heartfelt video messages from Chris Martin, The Vaccines and Billy Bragg made the day even more special and once again brought home how River and the band’s story has resonated across the music industry on a huge scale."

While it has only been a matter of days since Rivfest came to close, focus has already turned to next year's event.

Stella added: "We can’t bring the boys back, but through RivFest and the other fundraising activities underway, we can ensure they live on through the young people that the foundation will help and through their music which continues to bring a smile to thousands, maybe even millions, of people around the world, just as Riv knew it would."

All money raised from the sale of tickets will be donated to The River Reeves Foundation with the profit from drinks sales sold by Dead Eye's Cocktail and Dogs to be put towards the Viola Beach and Craig Tarry Memorial Fund.