Hundreds flock to Cajun festival

HUNDREDS of people flocked to Gloucester's Guildhall at weekend to enjoy a taste of Cajun food and dancing.

The annual three-day Cajun and Zydeco Festival, now in its 16th year, saw dozens of bands entertain the crowds.

As well as dancing there was jam sessions and accordion workshops with music from bands like The Hackney Ramblers and Joe Le Taxi.

Visitors from all over the country and across Europe descended on Gloucester's Eastgate Street to indulge their love of Cajun.

Regular festival-goer, Andrew Hain, from London, said: "It's just a great atmosphere here."

Rosie Beresford, from Devon, said: "There's a fantastic social aspect to this. You come along, have a dance and meet with friends. There's nowhere better than here to have it."

Pat Roberts from the Guildhall said her highlight had been An Audience with Gavin Lewery.

She said: "He talked about band members and how they had taught themselves to play the accordion from looking at album covers. It was fantastic."

Organiser Chris Hall, said: "The Guildhall is just a fantastic venue to hold something like this. It's perfect."

A host of special Cajun-style dishes were also on the menu including Creole chicken stew and vegetable jambalaya.