A MEDLEY of musical styles brought hundreds of people to swinging Southampton at the weekend.

The annual Festival of Live Music featured a massive variety of styles, from folk to funk and almost everything in between.

The two-day event, at Mayflower Park, was organised by the Southampton branch of the Musicians' Union and the city council.

Bands also performed in various other venues over the course of the weekend to ensure even more people could enjoy the fun.

The free event, now in its 12th year, kicked off at noon on Saturday at Mayflower Park with 60s and 70s funk outfit Tequila.

More than a dozen acts, all based in Southampton, graced the two stages at the festival over the two days.

Paul McKenna, branch secretary of the city branch of the Musicians' Union, said: "The main aim of the event is to showcase Musicians' Union bands.

"There are some extremely good live bands in Southampton.

"We've had everything here, from pop, a Sixties tribute band, salsa - pretty much everything to suit every taste."

He said hundreds of people attended over the two days.

Among the bands performing at the festival was The Chris Walker Swingtet.

Chris Walker said: "It's all about supporting live music and trying to convince people that live music is better than anything on record.

"The bands here come from across the board and there was a style for everyone."

The highlight of the two-day event saw a packed Mayflower Park jumping to the beat of Mambo Jambo as people flocked to the Saturday night performance.

Councillor Derek Burke, executive member for leisure and tourism at the city council, said: "The event is a very good idea. Live music is what it is all about. The council is obviously pleased to be able to help with it."