MUSIC acts wowed the crowds at York Racecourse at a fundraising event in aid of York Hospital’s special care baby unit.

Despite thunder and showers, about 500 people flocked to Knavesmire on Saturday for Dudestock – a one-day music festival featuring unsigned bands from around the country.

Kristian Lewin, festival organiser, said: “The event was fantastic. It went so well and it was great to see Dudestock so warmly received in York “It all went smoothly and there were no technical glitches apart from the rain.

“We raised about £2,500 for the charity – we would have liked to have made more but the weather prevented York en-masse from supporting us. However, the main thing is such a fantastic charity has benefited.”

York bands River City Ransom, The Pauper Kings, Testtone3, and Dead Rebellion were among those who played at the event as well as the Fallen, A Joker’s Rage, and Believe In Fate, who were finalists at last month’s Live & Unsigned competition at the London O2.

Kristian added: “We’ve had two children born at York Hospital and fortunately we’ve had no issues that required SCBU but knowing it’s there is a massive re-assurance.

“Our friend Laura’s baby girl, Lily-Mai, was born 19 weeks premature and spent 11 weeks with SCBU.”