Metal music fans descended on Leeds for its first ever Metal Fringe Festival.
The event, which was part of Leeds Fringe, was such a success that plans are already under way for next year.
Hundreds of revellers rocked out to 17 local bands over two jam-packed days at the live music venue Empire, which recently opened in the city centre.
Metal Fringe chairman Neil Short said: “Over the past five years, the metal scene has gone underground but now people are pushing for it to be revived.
“This is the first event of its kind in Leeds, and only through people’s support and kind nature can we make this a success.”
He added: “I honestly didn’t expect it to be this successful. It’s absolutely overwhelming.
“We are already in talks about organising Metal Fringe 2012 and also thinking about expanding the event to incorporate another city – watch this space.”
Several Leeds-based bands took to the stage, including Mishkin and Down the Machine, who are also set to play Leeds Festival this weekend.
Chairman Neil, from Horsforth, is also the bass player for Down the Machine. He added: “This has set us in good stead for Leeds Festival but we’ll have to turn the notch up a bit for our performance at the weekend.”
Festival-goers also took part in an auction to win prizes donated by Relic records, Soho’s Alternative Clothing and local tattooists. It is hoped the event will raise £900 for Martin House Children’s Hospice.
The hospice, based in Boston Spa, cares for children and young people with progressive life-limiting illnesses, and provides support to their families.
For more information, visit: www.leedsfestivalfringe.org/metalfringe.html
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