THE streets of Darwen were packed as Darwen rocked to a two-day Bank Holiday music extravaganza, Darwen 2003: Keeping Music Alive Music.

The market area, packed with more than 1,000 party people, erupted when chart-toppers, Bad Manners took the stage.

The band, which notched up 11 top twenty hits from its beginnings in 1976, lured hundreds of hardcore fans to Darwen, while younger generations watched on to see what the fuss was all about.

Another big hit on the big stage was larger-than-life Buster Bloodvessel.

Meanwhile the sax pistols warmed up a packed Millstone crowd with a unique sound of their own and World's Favourite Airline rocked the Suzy Q's crowd with an original funk/rock sound.

Inspector Graham Ashcroft, of Darwen Police, said: "It was a very busy day on Sunday and we had around 10,000 people and 6,000 on site at one particular time.

"Town was packed from 8.30pm onwards and there a few minor incidents where people had had a bit too much to drink but nothing serious. We've had extra officers at the festival so it's been well covered."

Two men were arrested on Saturday while trying to steal a car. A handbag was recovered and returned to the victim.

The St John Ambulance called in extra staff to help deal with drunken casualties on Sunday night.

John Fawcett, of the first aid team, said: "We had a team of nine on the first night but tonight we had 13 because we thought we could use extra back up. Otherwise, it's been a lot of fun and everyone's enjoyed themselves."