WITH the heatwave waning, hundreds of music-lovers saw their luck run out on Saturday, with torrential rain decimating the crowds at the county’s biggest free festival.

Revellers ran for cover at Charlbury’s Riverside Festival, as storms brought a soggy end to the hot weather – although those who turned up yesterday fared a little better with sunshine and showers.

Up to 8,000 people joined the annual music event, beside the River Evenlode, and were treated to sets by more than 40 bands and artists.

However, Saturday’s downpours effectively cleared the site, with audiences in the field being outnumbered by artists on stage.

Organiser Andy Pickard said: “It has been a brilliant weekend. We had a capacity crowd on Saturday – until the rain came – and many more came back yesterday.

“It was a shame to see so few people on Saturday night, but those die-hards who remained were treated to some amazing shows.

“The bands were in awe of those people who stayed.”

Highlights included sets by country-rockers The Epstein, Arabic-folk-pop band Brickwork Lizards, psychedelic dream-pop act Flights of Helios and the db Band, featuring former Supergrass bassist Mick Quinn.

Getting a small but enthusiastic crowd dancing in the rain were Oxford jump-blues seven-piece The Original Rabbit Foot Spasm Band.

Frontman Stuart Macbeth said: “It was like Oxfordshire’s own Glastonbury Festival. The band had a great time – and we take our hats off to those people who stayed out in the rain to party with us.

“The whole band were covered in mud, drenched in cider – and had a great time.”

Beauty queen Layla Claridge, 21, from Park Street, Charlbury, compered the main stage on Saturday.

The post graduate student, who triumphed at Miss Oxfordshire Inspiration, said: “I love Riverside. I’ve been here most years and it’s great to have been involved.”

Rachel Brand, of Pumbro, Stonesfield, near Witney, took five-year-old daughter Lily for the first time. The 42-year-old said: “It was a really lovely, relaxing day. Lily loves music and she didn’t stop dancing all day. It was brilliant.”

Marston teacher Stephanie Masterson said: “It was a great weekend. The weather could have been better on Saturday, but everyone made the most of it.”

Andrew Venables, from Sandford-on-Thames, whose luxury tent business Katalystic Events provided a backstage live lounge, said: “The tent made a wonderful – and very dry – space for some quality music.”

Cash raised through bar takings and traders’ contributions will go to mental health charity Oxfordshire Mind.