A STREET carnival, open air performances, brass bands and world music were the weekend highlights in Clitheroe when the town held its ninth Great Days Festival.

The three-day event kicked off on Friday with an American theme when local band The Swing Commanders performed their own brand of Western Swing.

They were followed on stage at the 300-seat Parish Hall by Hull outfit Dog House Skiffle before headliners Hank Wangford and the Lost Cowboys finished off the night in style.

On Saturday, Newcastle group The Old Rope String Band clowned around with their distinctive and amusing musical takes.

And the event concluded last night at the Parish Hall with music from Cuban group Asere and 13-piece Zimbabwe act the Hohodza Band, marking the event's first move into world music.

Out and about in the town there were three outdoor performing areas offering more live music and street performance, including blues and jazz, and Nelson Brass Band performed in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle.

Seamus Heffernan, festival press officer, said: "I think this year we have moved beyond being merely a folk festival. It has become more eclectic and is a big step for Clitheroe but hopefully we can build on this in years to come. We have had reasonable weather, the acts and the music have been fantastic and we have sold lots of beer."

SMILES: Smiling crowds are entertained by a street performer during the successful three-day event held in Clitheroe

HIGH SPIRITS: Left, six-year-old Tessa Danby, from Clitheroe, with entertainer Sharon Evans, of Wayzgoose. Right, Betty Lupton's Ladle Laikers in action-- from left to right, Jan Fitzmaurice, Tessa Goldsmith, Janet West and Catherine Jeary