THE Drunken Monkey Rock Festival roared into Upton for its fourth year and raised £14,000 for the Midlands Air Ambulance, four times more than last year.

Held in memory of local man Ian Downton, the event attracted more than double the amount of people than 2016.

They travelled from all parts of the country to come to rock with more than 50 bands, ranging from Piggy Doo Dar, three 11-year-olds from Evesham, to Saturday night headliners Steve Grimmett’s Grim Reaper.

Steve Grimmett officially opened the show on Friday afternoon and, despite losing his leg only a few months ago, performed a 90-minute set with his band on Saturday night.

He said: “The atmosphere was fantastic, we had a great show. I stood up for many of the songs but had to sit down for some, as it takes up so much more energy when you have a prosthetic limb.”

“Everyone was really enjoying themselves, it was laid back, very easy going. My wife and I are thinking about going back next year and camping.”

Another highlight was a fly-over by the Red Arrows on Sunday afternoon. Their timing could not have been better as Motörhead tribute band Motörheadache had just finished playing their penultimate song, Bomber, when the aircraft stunned the crowd by flying right over the main stage.

Steve Coyne, chairman of the festival committee said: “The whole event is run by volunteers who are helped by the bands and numerous local businesses donating time, supplies and generosity for free in recognition of a fantastic local cause.

“I would like to thank everyone who helped us in any way and of course the people who bought tickets and came and rocked. We hope to see them all back next year plus many more.”

The Drunken Monkey Rock Festival has been running since 2014, created by Phil Peel and close friends in memory of much-loved friend Ian Downton, who died in 2009.

Mr Downton of Powick hit a tree while driving his Audi Quattro near Malvern Link and suffered multiple injuries. He spent nearly a year in hospital before he died from his injuries.

To date, the festival organisers have raised over £25,000 to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, a favourite cause of Mr Downton's.