A SPECTACULAR celebration attracted hundreds of people to mark the re-opening of Bridgwater's Oxfam store on Saturday.

Glastonbury Festival organiser Michael Eavis officially re-opened the store in Eastover by cutting the ribbon ahead of a foot-stomping performance from special guests the Bootleg Beatles.

The crowd, featuring a mixture of young and old, was treated to performances from young stand-up comedian Callum Cook, rock band Snakes Alive and singer Ian Howard from the Bridgwater Carnival Concerts front of curtain acts on a special stage set up in the car park behind Bridgwater's bus station.

Mr Eavis addressed the crowd by stating Bridgwater's Oxfam store is a fantastic thing for the town, which was met by applause.

As reported by the Mercury in March, Mr Eavis stepped in to save the store from closure by offering to cover the premises' rent and keep it open for the next three years.

The store underwent an extensive refit in time for Saturday's event.

Prior to the event, store manager Carol Klimowich thanked Mr Eavis for his help in keeping the store open, and also thanked the Bridgwater community for its support.

Cllr Julian Taylor, who represents the Eastover ward, said he hopes the redevelopment will stimulate more businesses to start up in the area.

WERE you at the event? Do you think it helped boost the Eastover area? Have your say using the comment box below. KEEP checking this website for our video of the event and a fantastic photo gallery.