The founder of the UK’s best known music festival has given his support to a start-up event in Gunwalloe.

Glastonbury Festival icon Michael Eavis officially opened the Barefoot Sound Wave ‘micro festival’ on Saturday to launch a weekend of live music and family fun.

The event was hosted by Lucy and Roger Thorp, who have been holding Barefoot Sessions in the cafe based at their home at Halzephron House.

They decided to hold an event on a larger scale and asked Michael, who had stayed at their bed and breakfast and regular visits in Cornwall, if he would attend – and he agreed.

Lucy said: “It was fantastic support for the event and the musicians we were able to attract.

“He came along and very kindly opened it for us.”

The Saturday line up of music was headlined by Californian band Sea of Bees, whose music has just been named Sunday Times new album of the week.

They kicked off their European tour in Gunwalloe, after fancying a visit to Cornwall.

While there they enjoyed their first ever surf lesson – despite hailing from the surf capital of the USA – as part of the launch of the Barefoot Surf School taking place that same weekend.

This led to a laid back surfing vibe for all the music played on Saturday, which became more jazz-focussed on the Sunday with Cornish-based headline act Larry Stabbins. He has played with big names such as Amy Winehouse and Paul Simonon from the Clash, but formed his own “knockout” quartet for the day.

Local bands to perform over the weekend included All the Fires and Neil Halstead.

“It was just brilliant,” said Lucy, who added that it was too soon to say whether a similar event would be held next year.

She thanked all the “spectacular” volunteers who helped over the weekend, including the Lime Tree that provided food and the National Trust for organising a tent of crafts for families.