Starting as a small one day event in 1974, the Ashton Court Festival grew into probably Britain's largest free festival.

Run by volunteers, it retained a community feel and attracted fans of all ages with its mix of music, performance, and local crafts.

Sarah recalls 'One year I helped to run a free art project where people were given an A3 sized piece of wood painted white, a pallet of poster paints and a brush to take away and paint whatever they liked within the site. The idea was that they leave the board there but bring the pallet and brushes back to us. However, most people stayed near to the stall so I remember looking out and seeing a sea of people sitting on the grass painting their Paint Boards.'

Other 'performances' were a little more unusual:

'Someone I know set up a 'disinformation' stand one year and gave out wholly incorrect maps to people. Some of them came back quite annoyed later on and had to have the sign pointed out to them!' Jackie

Sadly, in the early 21st century the festival ran into difficulties and the subsequent introduction of compulsory entry charges upset many people, who felt was not in the original spirit of the festival.

The last festival was held in 2007, but is fondly remembered by generations of Bristolians and festival-goers.