SOMERSAULT 2015’s sophomore year has come to a close after a brilliant weekend of summer sounds and outward bounds.

17,000 guests attended the festival over the long weekend, many camping for the full four nights, enjoying the plethora of activities, music, relaxation, breathtaking spectacles, after hours fun and much more.

Festival attendees have made good use of both their wellington boots and sun cream, in typical UK festival fashion, the sun has blazed and the rain has poured, while the atmosphere has remained fun, playful and jubilant throughout.

First class headliner and main stage sets have entertained the crowds all weekend with a host of chart topping, award winning artists taking to the stage.

Friday night saw Laura Marling enchant the audience with a spell binding set with songs from her recent album, Short Movie as well as fan favourites from the rest of her career.

Nathan Ball opened the main stage followed by the brilliant Jeremy Loops, Bears Den and Staves.

With the crowd suitably warmed up by Imelda May, Ibibio Sound Machine and Rae Morris, Bombay Bicycle Club played a storming set on Saturday night – conducting mass sing-alongs and showering the crowd with confetti canons.

The band were joined on stage for very special duets by Rae Morris and long-time friend Lucy Rose.

Joint headliners Passenger played the perfect Sunday set, bringing his chilled out vibe to North Devon, while Crystal Fighters closed the weekend with a high-energy performance that left the crowd on an all time high after a brilliant day of music including the legendary Jimmy Cliff and Australian brother and sister duo Angus & Julia Stone.

Somersault’s Communion & Bandstand stages also provided an eclectic mix of music this weekend, as festival goers experienced the diverse line-ups beyond the Main Stage. Friday saw the captivating Lucy Rose bring the live music to a close on the Communion Stage – her headline performance followed sets by the likes of Flo Morrisey, Honeyblood and Fyfe.

Saturday’s Bandstand line-up included a special afternoon curated by BBC Introducing Devon who handpicked the best artists from the local music scene – Wildwood Kin’s headline set was broadcast live on BBC Radio Devon.

Whilst over at the Communion stage the crowd was treated to sets by hotly-tipped newcomers Haus, as well as Pixel Fix and Frances before Amber Run’s spellbinding headline set.

Undoubtedly the most peaceful area on site throughout the weekend, the Wild Wellbeing area provided a calm and soothing space for those wishing to rejuvenate and temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of the festival. From heated yurts and domes offering facials and massages from partner REN Skincare, through to group meditation, acupuncture, mindfulness and yoga sessions tailored for all the family, the area ensured relaxation in all its guises. Revellers also got back to nature via the atmospherically lit River Bray.

The river, which runs through the Castle Hill Estate was a firm favourite on the Saturday, as guests of all ages paddled and swam in the rolling stream.

True to Somersault form, spectacles to capture the imagination were to be found around every corner - no better demonstrated than by the Invisible Circus, Tales In The Tower and Rogue Theatre offerings, which saw awe inspiring feats conquered from great height (Invisible Circus), tales told by candlelight from the summit of Castle Hill (Tales From The Tower) showcasing the most beautiful of Devonshire views, through to the immersive Rogue Theatre, which transported adults and children to a wonderland amongst the trees.

Aside from the music and performing arts available on site, guests also enjoyed the many breathtaking excursions and activities on offer throughout the weekend as part of Somersault Festival’s Outward Bounds.

Thrill-seeking festival goers were taken to nearby Wimbleball Lake to take part in Canoeing, Mountain Biking, Kayaking or Hiking - all set against the wondrous natural beauty of Exmoor National Park.

The sun beat down on Saturday as festival goers looking for some seaside action were treated to lessons in surfing, paddleboarding and coasteering in the area of Putsborough - thanks to Croyde Surf Academy.

Late afternoon on Saturday, a crowd gathered around the Gorilla Circus area to watch TV presenter Lindsey Russell from Blue Peter trapeze high above the festival ground as she took part in Try n Fly - a quick-fire lesson in trapezing, which was also available over the whole weekend to all the family. Just across the field, majestic birds of prey wowed guests as they were taught the art of Falconry by experienced trainers. Horse lovers young & old were able to explore the beautiful surrounding Devonshire countryside during their horse riding lessons offered at Somersault. Over to the Kids Area there was arts, crafts and glitter play for all to try, while outside The Clubhouse the aim of the game was to try and get the opponents sock off (!) as children took part in sock wrestling much to the delight of onlookers. The Clubhouse also offering an alternative to music in the form of laughter with comedy sets from the likes of Sarah Pascoe and Tony Law.

Local MP Peter Heaton-Jones said: "Somersault has very quickly established itself as a highlight of North Devon's summer calendar. Castle Hill in Filleigh, which I know well, is an absolutely stunning location - even when the weather isn't perfect.

“It's not only a great event in itself, but it brings a lot of visitors to North Devon who might not otherwise come here.

“It provides a big boost to the local economy, which is important, but it also acts as a shop window for North Devon.

“ I hope many of the Somersault attendees will come back again and again and enjoy our North Devon hospitality."