MORE than 1,000 people turned out to hear the best local bands perform at Parmstock on Saturday, July 16.

The fifth Parmstock musical festival took place at Parmiter's School, Garston, and featured music acts of all styles and genres, ranging from jazz to heavy metal.

The biennial event has been running for ten years, but this weekend could have been the last.

The two teachers who dreamt up the event, and made it happen every year, Jon and Chris De Groot have said this year's Parmstock will be their last.

Jon started the event in 1994, after deciding that "rock music would have a voice at Parmiter's".

Since it began, the festival has been home to a spectrum of musical abilities.

Mike Foster, guitarist from The B*team, which performed at the event said: "There was not a single band on the bill that failed to put on a great show."

Merlin Gerrin, bassist of hardcore rock band, Gallows, which also performed on the day, said: "I think Parmstock proved that there is still a burgeoning underground music scene in Watford."

He added: "There was palpable excitement from the bands and crowd alike."

The crowd went wild for headliners Captain Everything, a three-piece band which includes two former Parmiter's pupils, Lewis Froy and Jon Whitehouse, the only musician to perform at every Parmstock.

The Parmiter's old boy said: "We had a blast."

Since leaving the school, the band has been successful and embarked on a world tour, taking in destinations such as Russia, North America, Europe and Japan.

Martin Watts, drummer of progressive punk band, The Zekes, who also performed, said that the bands had received a good reception from the crowd.

Guitarist with The Zekes, Elias Gladstone, said that Parmstock "provides a platform for aspiring bands to play to a wider audience".

Laurent Barnard, Gallows' guitarist said: "It has always been blessed with sunshine and a wonderful atmosphere.

"There is just so much shared enthusiasm from the students, parents and teachers, that it's a shame this year's Parmstock could be the last.

"I still feel Parmstock organiser Mr de Groot should at least put a bid in for next year's Glastonbury."

This year's festival has raised £3,000 so far. The funds will be donated to various charities, including The Peace Hospice, Watford, the Emma Dinata Fund and the Sunrise Children's Village in Cambodia, which was recently visited by the event co-ordinators.

The organisation was set up to help orphans in Cambodia and provide them with a home and education. During their trip, the De Groots were guided by Mike Matsushita, who was tragically killed in the London bombings. This year's festival was dedicated to him.

Mr De Groot said the especially warm atmosphere was fitting tribute to a "lovely man".