ROCK royalty came to Kendal's newest venue at the weekend when Status Quo played a special one-day festival at the town's rugby club at Mint Bridge.

More than 3,000 people turned out to watch the legendary band, who were supported by local up-and-coming Lancaster group Massive Wagons, as well as Storm and West Cumbrian rockers Hammerhead.

The event also marked the first time a gig of this kind has been held at the new rugby club, which was completed in 2017.

Status Quo's famously engaging frontman Francis Rossi had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand, playing the mighty rock group's best-loved hits.

The overcast day did nothing to dampen the crowd's enthusiasm for the event, sponsored by Macbeth Scott & Co and which raised money for charities St John's Hospice, Healthy Young Minds and Cancer Care.

Kendal RUFC's director of rugby Steve Whitehead said: "We are extremely happy with the event. The atmosphere was amazing and Status Quo were brilliant to watch.

"It was always part of the plan for the club to hold big events like this for the community. That is an important part of being a community rugby club. It was a great opportunity for us.

"Everybody had a great time. People have been saying really good things to us about the event and the venue.

"It was a hugely positive day."

Support act Massive Wagons were riding high for the event, having recently seen their new album 'Full Nelson' enter the charts.

Barry Lucas, promoter for the event, spoke highly of the hotly-tipped band.

He said: "Massive Wagons really blew everybody away. It was a great bill across the board.

"Status Quo were Status Quo, so obviously everybody enjoyed them.

"I am really pleased with how the event went. Kendal certainly rocked that night."