FROM local rock to indie pop, brand new festival Within The Walls has proven a smash hit for Carlisle this bank holiday weekend.

Featuring acts and bands from across the county in a marquee in the city centre, Within the Walls was a brand new set up for Cumbrian promoters The Mighty Boof and Carlisle City Council.

Spread across Saturday and Sunday, the line-up featured names such as The Chadelics and Hardwicke Circus, as well as Whitehaven rockers Mama Sang and the Robot. 

The first day started out with acoustic sets from Tony Vincent, Mark Carruthers and Ivory Veins, inviting in an audience with their mellow sounds and stripped back acoustic performances.

Spurred on by the sunshine, it wasn't long before the crowds were building. 

Among those enjoying the music was Jacqueline Webb, from Carlisle, who was in town with a group of friends.

She said: "I've just recently moved back here from the midlands. There's always something going on down there. 

"Carlisle really should put on more entertainment at weekends. It brings the city alive. 

"It's great to have an excuse to get out and see some live music."

Following the acoustic sets were Carlisle-based bands The Unsung, Blind Fiction and Mylittlebrother - who had to ask the crowd to come forward so that more people could fit in the marquee.

Mylittlebrother bassist Bryan Sykes said: “It’s been a really good day, we didn't know what to expect as it's the first time Within the Walls has taken place. 

"It’s a fantastic crowd and being in a band and seeing Carlisle come together for local music is an amazing feeling.”

Also playing on Saturday were Prowles, the Postcard Band and Audioclub, who closed the first day.

James Cameron, vocals and guitar for indie rock band Audioclub, said: “It’s been a superb day. 

"I was walking past the tent earlier and thought the event had a real festival feel to it. 

"It’s been a great crowd and we've really enjoyed ourselves.”

The Sunday bill featured Nat Dempsey, Bubble Ead, Fumar Mata, Eleven, Cuban Heel, 30HZ, Reptillians, Ogres of Go Go, the Chadelics and headliners Hardwicke Circus.

Again the sunshine pulled in crowds, some coming down especially for the music and others taking a break from shopping. 

Carlisle dad Alex Gomez said: "We love live music and a friend of ours is playing. 

"It's nice to come down with friends and family to watch. The children really love it too."

Julie Britton was in town with partner Mark Leighton to soak up the music. 

She said: "We like to come down to support all the local bands because we appreciate how much hard work they put in. 

"We want to make sure the music scene in Carlisle is well-supported and help keep it going."

The Mighty Boof already work with the city council to put on events at the city's Old Fire Station. 

But after the floods, the venue is expected to be out of action until the autumn.

With that in mind they decided to put on a free outdoor event, plugging a gap that has previously been filled by Carlisle Music City.

It was supported by the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.

Organiser Danny Maudling said: "We wanted to do an event that will hopefully grow and incorporate all of the venues in the city.

"The response from Carlisle this weekend has been fantastic. Everyone seems to want to get behind it."