Stereo MCs rock Watergate

Stereo MC's rock Watergate Bay at White Stuff Surf Relief Festival.

A colossal crowd of over 4000 families and sea & sun worshippers descended on Watergate Bay, Cornwall last Saturday 26th July at what was the UK's only beach festival this summer – the White Stuff Surf Relief Festival at Watergate Bay.

The event, which combined live music, surf lifesaving and pro surfing competitions, plus a packed beach of family activities is in its second year and, with the success of 2008, the festival looks set to become bigger and better each year.

Crowds spread out on the sand to watch over 200 athletes compete in amateur and pro surfing contests, and revellers also enjoyed beach volleyball, classes in hip hop dancing/circus skills/face painting and more. The Sunset Music sessions kicked off at 4pm featuring artists Hold Fire, warming up for sets by Ash Grunwald, the Rumble Strips, the Wonderfuls and headliners the Stereo MCs. With a combination of alternative rock, blues & roots, ska pop and dance there really was something for everyone amongst the eclectic line-up and the local bands brought their loyal following, while the Stereo MC's reminded us of their legendary performances.

The festival raised an amazing total of £30,000 for surf charity Surf Relief UK, and its 'Surfable' project, a unique initiative to provide subsidised surf lessons for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. A fund raising dinner and charity auction was also held the night before at restaurant Fifteen Cornwall, raising £14,000 alone.