ISLANDERS danced to the sound of the underground as Summer Wave attracted 8,000 people to Saumarez Park. A similar event could be held next year.

Fans rushed screaming to the coach carrying UK chart, acts Girls Aloud, Phixx and Blazin Squad to the backstage area.

And autograph hunters left happy after most of them gave their time up to chat to fans.

‘It’s fantastic; it’s a great experience for the island. We’ve raised about £18,000 so far for charity,’ said Wave’s managing director Tim Ringsdore.

The money will go to the Guernsey Gosh appeal and Help a Guernsey Child.

‘We wanted to have a memorable event for our first major one in the island; we wanted to do something big and it’s proved to be fantastic.’

He said the event had put Guernsey on the map for these types of band.

‘We wanted to make sure people would talk about this for years to come and we want it to keep going year on year,’ he said.

He added that such big acts would not have appeared but for the work put in by Island FM.

‘And full credit to the local bands, they were outstanding; it’s been a real community event.’

Backstage, the stars were offered champagne in a secure tent, while the local bands swigged cans of lager next door.

But despite the lack of celebrity treatment, the local musicians enjoyed the experience.

Beaver performed early in the afternoon and guitarist Sam McKerrell described it as a great experience, if not their usual audience.

‘We weren’t expecting a big crowd; it was more for the experience of playing on a big stage.’

The Bensons, renowned for dressing up, took on a superhero theme for the day as Batman, Robin, Spider-Man and Superman.

‘We’re more than pleased to be given the chance to play on such a stage and in front of so many people. We’ve definitely had a bit of fun.’

Thee Jenerators front man Mark Le Gallez, who has played to large crowds overseas before, said it was amazing.

‘It brought back a few memories from 10 years ago – how difficult it is to get a big crowd going – but we got pockets going and it got better towards the end.’

Police had few problems at the event.

‘We’re very pleased. We’ve dealt with a lot of lost children and property and a few alcohol-related

incidents,’ said Inspector Ruari Hardy. ‘We haven’t had any negative feedback.’

The 40 lost children and one black Labrador all got reunited.