Three people were injured when part of a stage collapsed at a music festival in Derbyshire last night.

Strong winds lifted part of the roof off the stage at the Bearded Theory event, a mediaeval fancy dress festival held in the village of Hulland Ward, near Ashbourne.

The three casualties were taken by ambulance to the Derby Royal Infirmary, according to Derbyshire police.

Injuries suffered included a suspected broken wrist and shoulder, and back and neck problems, while several other people were treated for shock.

The stage was closed and made safe following the accident.

Two other stages remained open and the festival, at Bradley Nook Farm Estate, continued overnight. It is the second year the three-day festival has been held, and this year organisers hoped to get into the Guinness Book of Records for having a record number of people in one place wearing false beards.

Sally Booth, site manager, said a “freak gust of wind” hit the main stage causing part of it to collapse.

“It’s been raining and windy all day but this was a freak gust of wind that was capable of knocking people over,” she said.

“When it happened everybody did what they had to do and more. The emergency services responded very quickly.”

James Willis, organiser of the three-day festival, added: “True to the festival spirit the personnel and festival-goers pulled together to ensure the continued running of the festival.”

Festivalgoers watched as the stage roof fell.

Pak Chan wrote online: “Have survived the great gust of wind that’s wiped out the Bearded Theory festival. Am huddled in tent, awaiting weather Armageddon.”

Denise Taylor, from Tewkesbury, was standing by the main stage when the incident occurred.

She wrote: “Now heard at least one person injured from backstage and airlifted out. But the dancing at Bearded Theory goes on.”

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

The festival, now in its second year, features a range of music including dance, rock, folk and acoustic.

Acts performing include rock band Hawkwind and Irish folk-rock group The Saw Doctors.

Editor's choice

• The 100 Best Films of the Decade
• 70 facts you didn't know about Marvel
• The 50 Biggest Movies Of 2010