COLNE throbbed to the sounds of the blues this weekend as the 11th annual festival brought thousands of people from all over the world to the Pendle town.

The four-day spectacular Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival, which concludes tonight, attracted people from all over Europe and even a party from Chicago, who flew in just to catch Omar and The Howlers.

Inclement weather did not deter fans of the music from flocking to the various stages set up at venues across the town and the many free roadhouse sessions proved an added attraction along with open-air concerts.

Organiser Gary Hood, said numbers were down on last year but he said: "They were more manageable. Last year saw a phenomenal turn-out with about 80,000 people in the town over the four days -- 20,000 more than the previous year.

"This year, crowds have still come but it had been more manageable and the atmosphere has been great. On Saturday night at Colne Muni it was packed out and it was a storming session.

"I know of some people who have come from South Africa and a large party from France -- even some from Barnoldswick! We have also had a man from Hong Kong who came over specially for the festival and set up in JJ's Cafe on Albert Road, playing his guitar on Friday afternoon.

"I am quite happy with how it has gone, performances have been great."

For Chris Hogarth, of Lord Street, Colne, it was the first time he had been to the event and he took along his children Jamie, eight, and five-year-old Amanda. He said: "I am more of a country music man myself, but I am giving it a go to see what it is like."

Helen Jeffrey and her husband, Alan, are blues festival veterans having attended every one since it started.

Helen, of the Burnley Road area of Colne, proudly sported her festival T-shirt. She said: "I just love the atmosphere. There is a girl I used to work with and I see her every year at the festival.

"I didn't really like last year because there were a lot of children running about drinking and smashing bottles, but this year it is much better."

This year organisers arranged with pubs to serve alcohol in plastic glasses and the police launched a crackdown on off-licences selling alcohol to under-age drinkers.

Alan, whose hobby is playing the guitar and harmonica, is a big blues fan. Last year they met a contingent from Holland and this year they met 20 people who had travelled from Germany.

For Mick and Gill Clarke, of Rochdale, the festival is a must every year and they joined hundreds camping out in the town for the four days.

Mick said: "We come for the music and atmosphere -- it's a great place and the beer is good as well!"

And Norwegian Ashkam Jan Taheri took time out from his holiday with his cousin, Sam Lotfi, from Manchester, to see what the festival was all about.

Besides the many stages and music venues there was also a Blues Eye View exhibition at Pendle Leisure Centre Cafe.