HUNDREDS of people turned out to support Abingdon’s very own version of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Six bands from three different European countries performed in the town’s Abbey Grounds on Saturday.

The event, organised by Abingdon Town Council, featured pop and rock music from bands in Abingdon’s twin towns in France and Germany, as well as local groups The Black Hats and Le Vens.

It was timed to coincide with Europe Day, which celebrates the anniversary of the proposal by French politician Robert Schuman for the creation of an organised Europe.

The proposal, known as the Schuman declaration, is considered to be the start of creating what is now the European Union.

Marianne Milburn, the council’s twinning officer, said it was the first time the event had been held in Abingdon and estimated about 500 people had turned up.

She said: “It has been brilliant. There has been a really positive response.

“It has been very different for Abingdon to have an outdoor event like this. ”

The event also featured stalls from local organisations including the Air Cadets, Guides, Abingdon Twinning Association and The Vale Youth Forum as well as the European Commission. Music fans also enjoyed a barbecue and tried their skills at a climbing wall.

Abingdon band Le Vens performed the final set of the day after travelling to a similar festival in Belgium last year.

Band member Harry Nadin, 24, said: “There is a really good atmosphere.“ Ben Reeve, also 24, added: “It is nice playing out in the park on a sunny afternoon.”

And fellow bandmate Simon Tweed, also 24, said: “We are really excited. Everyone is having a great time.”

Other bands taking part included Blackie and The Oohoos and Karree Konfituur from Sint-Niklass, near Antwerp, in Belgium, Youpi! from Argentan, in Normandy, France, and San-Zaru from Colmar, in eastern France.

Kiyoshi Kono, of Penlon Place, Abingdon, was one of the hundreds who turned out to enjoy the day-long festival.

The 52-year-old said: “It is a great event. People are enjoying the barbecue and the atmosphere. It’s good to bring people together.”

Larkmead School pupil Amanda Reeves, 15, said: “I think it’s a good event. It has a nice, happy atmosphere.”

Fellow pupil Tashaa Morrish, also 15, said: “It is definitely worthwhile. I have had a good time.”

Her friend Helen Walker, also 15, added: ”I think it is a really good idea and there is a great atmosphere.

“I’m loving it.”