THOUSANDS of people flocked to Colne for a new, family-friendly Blues festival.

Pendle Leisure Trust said the festival had been one of the best ever, with a top-class line-up and family attractions on the streets.

Police reported a trouble-free weekend as top rhythm and blues acts including Dr Feelgood, the Hamsters and The Animals took to the main stages throughout the weekend.

Pubs and restaurants hosting live performances by local bands were also packed throughout the weekend, while street entertainment was reintroduced for the first time in more than five years.

The leisure trust's festival co-ordinator Alison Goode said today: "It's gone absolutely brilliantly and there's a lot more to come yet.

"It's a fantastic atmosphere and the acts are amazing - the calibre of the people performing this year is very, very high - it's one of the strongest line-ups we've had for a long time and we have seen that in the reaction of people there. Everyone is just really enjoying the music.

"For Sunday and Monday we have got street entertainment, to help make the festival a proper family event.

"We've had people on stilts, street theatre and all sorts of things to keep everyone entertained.

"We've also had free swimming in the afternoons for children while their parents watch the music, and it has been really successful.

"It's something we wanted to do to get back to having the whole of Colne involved and we are committed to providing fun for the family, making it a little bit more mainstream than perhaps it's been in previous years.

"Family is what the bank holiday weekend should be about."

Tickets for Monday's performances, with Danny Bryant's RedEye Band headlining on the British stage and Chris Farlowe the main attraction on the International stage, are still available.

For booking and information, contact the box office on 01282 661234.