A TOWN centre was shaken to its very core last night during a fitting climax to the Darwen 2004 music festival.

Around 80 bands have performed at seven venues around the town over the last three days with up to 25,000 people attending the event.

But last night it was hugely popular local band Gone Beggin' and Manchester's legendary Buzzcocks that stole the show.

Their energetic and powerful performances kept the hundreds who had packed the bus station in front of the main stage jumping and clapping until dusk.

Other attractions at the event, funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Arts Council of England, included a beer festival at the Black Horse pub in Redearth Road and street theatre on every corner.

Andy Grimshaw, organiser for Darwen Music Projects, said: "The attitude of the crowds has been absolutely fantastic.

"The police are very happy with the operation so far and we are getting good feedback from the people.

"This is not just about the council putting on a concert but about the regenerative aspect as well.

"All the shops and bars are having a bumper weekend.

"Darwen is a town on the up and the festival realises that."