BLACKPOOL bounced to the beat on the street as the town took its place in the BBC's Music Live weekend.

And local band Poco Loco could well have set the record for the highest performance in the UK when the drumming troupe played at the top of the Tower.

The Blackpool samba band bashed out Beat This at 12.20pm on Monday (May 29) which was performed by drummers across the country at exactly the same time during a live broadcast by the BBC.

Band member Duggie Davies had to overcome his vertigo to make sure he didn't let his colleagues down.

"I was absolutely terrified all the time I was up there, but would not have missed it for the world. It was a unique occasion for Blackpool, the band and myself."

Town centre manager Nigel Hanson was so delighted with the festival that he thinks it could become a regular event.

"It was absolutely terrific," he said. "It provided so much enjoyment for both those taking part in one of the bands and for the spectators. "To see the the streets of the town light up with such colour and vitality was fantastic. And there was so much variety.

"Being down on the streets with the performers meant I got to see most of the acts.

"Everyone really came together to put on a wonderful festival and, hopefully, with everyone's help we will be able to do it again next year."

Performers such as the Red Rose Jazz Band and the breathtaking Brazilian band Off The Rails marched the streets.

And the town's pubs and clubs also got in on the act and even saw one of Blackpool's biggest night spots Heaven and Hell turning people away on Sunday night.

"We have already got the puppet festival next year, and with a bit of help from the public we could have another music festival as well," added Nigel.

"Like Tate and Lyle, we'll just keep refining it."