Cafes and restaurants around Wiltshire closed while 4,000 people attended a festival in the county.

All Lounge, Cosy Clubs, and Brightside restaurants were shut on Monday, June 3, including Rivo Lounge in Chippenham, Condado Lounge in Devizes, and Valeroso Lounge in Trowbridge.

The chain has now confirmed its branches closed for the annual staff party, which saw 200 coaches carrying employees from 250 sites descend on Charlton Park Estate in Malmesbury.

Now in its 10th year, the annual celebration has become known as LoungeFest and sees 8,000 people invited each year.

The day-long, retro-inspired festival gave revellers the chance to enjoy fairground rides, DJ sets, music stages, games, activities, workshops and a range of food and drink stalls.

Guy Youll, Loungers’ chief people officer, believes the event has grown every year since its inception.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: LoungeFest 2024LoungeFest 2024 (Image: Loungers)

He said: “LoungeFest 2024 has been a fantastic day with over 4,000 of our team members celebrating with us.

“This year marked our 10th LoungeFest and it was certainly the biggest and best yet.

“Back in 2013, Loungers was one of the first in the hospitality industry to host a party like this for teams and we’re delighted to continue to celebrate our amazing staff in this way, getting bigger every single year. 

“I think not only is this the most talked about staff party in hospitality, it must officially now be the biggest.”

The day is designed to thank employees for their hard work throughout the year.

Mr Youll added: “The whole purpose of this day is to show our teams that we really appreciate the hard graft they put in every day in our sites. 

“And it’s been great to see everyone letting their hard down, dancing, singing, eating and drinking.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: LoungeFest 2024LoungeFest 2024 (Image: Loungers)

For this reason, CEO Nick Collins believes it is a hugely important event.

He said: “Today is, without doubt, the most important day of the year in the Loungers calendar, and indeed my favourite day of the year. 

“Since we started back in 2013 with a couple of hundred people in a field, LoungeFest has grown enormously to the 4,000 plus people here today.

“It’s a significant investment, particularly not least, closing the entire business for 24 hours, but well worth it and the spirit and purpose of the day have remained consistent over the last decade.

“LoungeFest doesn’t really have anything to do with work – it’s simply a great opportunity to say thank you to our teams, and for everyone to enjoy each other’s company and to be themselves.”