“SIMPLY the best” was how the organiser of Oxfordshire’s only free music festival described the weekend event.

About 7,000 people turned out to see a host of bands – including headliners Smilex, Little Fish and The Epstein – at Charlbury’s 14th Riverside Festival on Saturday and Sunday.

Previous years have seen about 4,000 come through the gates.

Festival director Andy Pickard said: “It was simply the best one we have ever had. Already we have received lists of congratulations from total strangers. It really is incredible.

“We have been going for 14 years now and word is getting about.”

Dave and Julie Chilvers, of Minster Lovell, visited the festival on Sunday.

Mr Chilvers said: “We came a few years ago and thought it was excellent, but the weather was better then.”

Mrs Chilvers added: “The fact that it’s free is amazing.”

Simon Miller, 34, of Finstock, said: “I love it – you get a free festival, a cracking atmosphere and meet all the people you haven’t seen for years.”

Shona Morrison, 42, of Abingdon, was at the festival with daughter Tegan, nine, and friend Jenny Hirst, 43, also from Abingdon. Ms Morrison said: “We haven’t been here before, it’s very pleasant and has quite a variety of music.”

Ms Hirst, who visited with daughter Emily, nine, added: “I think it’s fantastic that it’s a free event.”

Becky Goodman, 35, of Banbury, went to the festival with three-year-old son Finley and 19-month-old daughter Lola.

She said: “It’s really excellent and very atmospheric, especially for a free festival, and the kids love it.”

Friend Julia Dawes, 35, of Banbury, added: “It’s a good day out for families.”

Costing between £17,000 and £20,000 to run, the free event is funded through food, drink and T-shirt sales, as well as grants from organisations including Charlbury Town Council.