THOUSANDS of music lovers from across the county headed to Darwen for the start of the town's annual music festival.

Last year's event attracted more than 20,000 people with headliners Bad Manners on the main stage and organisers say this year's crowds look set to rival that number.

The event, funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Arts Council of England, was continuing today into the early hours. So far 43 bands have played at seven venues across the town, including Darwen band Cherrybomb, above.

Today more than 40 others were taking to the stage including popular local band Gone Beggin at 5.45pm followed by headliners The Buzzcocks at 7.45pm.

Other attractions over the weekend have included a family day at Darwen Bus Station for Help the Aged featuring a junior pop idol contest, and street entertainment around every corner.

Gary Ward, organiser for Darwen Music Projects, said: "There were around 20,000 here last year but we are probably going to be looking at 25,000 this year."

Inspector Andrea Bradbury said: "There were nine arrests made for a variety of minor offences during the afternoon but no major problems.

"There was also a hoax bomb call which is typical of these sorts of events."