Sensational performances by up-and-coming bands kept thousands of music fans smiling on Saturday (11 May) at the seventh Hanwell Hootie.

Amber Arcades (from Holland), Keywest (mainly from Dublin) and some bands from closer to home like Imperial Daze and Rosedive from London were among the acts giving people a real buzz as a festival mood swept over the town. With 100 acts spread across 17 venues, everybody there would have had their own favourites – and, no doubt, each added a few new band names to their playlists.

With the free Hootie shuttle bus gliding around the streets; pavements, parks and pubs packed with people; and music filling the air at every turn, Hanwell lived up to its moniker of the Home of Loud.

This year, the festival (run by a community interest company and supported by local organisations including Ealing Council) went ‘drastic on plastic’ and banned many single-use plastic items. It also provided recyclable and reusable plastic glasses for people to buy and keep or ‘hire’ for a deposit for the day.

There were two outdoor stages, including the 5,000-capacity Viaduct Meadow opposite Ealing Hospital, supplemented by a full list of acts at Sandy Park, local pubs and even on the ever-popular ‘busking bus’. There was also a musical comedy stage.

To see more photos from the day, keep an eye on the Hootie’s official website and its Facebook page.