TechFest was a huge hit with fans of metal music.

Fans of metal music had a head-banging good time over the weekend

UK TechFest returned to the Newark Showground over four days from Thursday to Sunday, showcasing 60 hard-edged progressive rock bands on three indoor stages.

Now in its sixth year, the friendly weekend was attended by 1,500 campers and day-visitors from around the UK and further afield, who rocked hard in the two mosh pits through the four days before switching to a more chilled vibe at the nightly after-parties into the small hours.

As well as so many live performances, fans enjoyed up-close instrument masterclasses, workshops, product demos, insight talks from artistes and industry figures and the chance to mix with both fans and musicians of this welcoming sub-genre.

Attracting headliners such as Leprous, Vildhjarta, Monuments and Valis Ablaze, and with several bands performing exclusive UK gigs in Newark, the festival has become the UK’s top tech metal event.

Event director Helen Tytherleigh said: “Newark’s central location and transport connections combined with the showground’s great infrastructure and facilities for campers, visitors and artistes make it a perfect venue for us,” she said.

“As organisers, the tremendous back-up and support we get both from our volunteers and especially the Showground’s team each year is critical to help us keep the bands rotating continuously across two stages over the four days.

We’ve had another great festival and can’t wait to return for our ninth edition in 2020.”

UK Techfest returns next year to Newark Showground on July 2.