A PRIVATE festival was thrown for Great Western Hospital staff for their heroics during the pandemic.

Town Gardens Bowl was closed to the public on Saturday as NHS workers and their families were given the chance to spend time together while enjoying live music, fairground stalls and more at the Great West Fest.

Clowns and other entertainers wandered around the crowd and a touching wall of pictures drawn by children depicting their 'NHS Heroes’ was on display.

It is estimated that more than 2,000 people turned out for the free event.

A spokesperson for Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "We held our first ever Great West Fest at Town Gardens, which was a thank you event for our staff and their families in recognition and praise of all the hard work and support they have shown during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“We had a great day of music and performances, with headliners Phoebe Maddison from The Voice and Billie and Louie from Little Mix: The Search, alongside a number of local artists. There were also fairground rides and food and drink stalls from local vendors. 

“The event was really successful, and all staff followed Covid-19 safety measures to ensure the safety and welfare of all those who attended. 

“We’d like to thank everybody who came to the event, as well as the businesses who helped to make it such a success. 

"Our thanks also extends to Coe Capital Wealth Management, who kindly sponsored Great West Fest.”