FESTIVAL organisers say their mammoth music event hit a new high note with thousands of people generating a party atmosphere that lasted throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.

The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival, which took over Colne town centre, proved to be a sell-out at most venues.

The added attractions of a beer festival at the town's leisure centre and a street festival brought in extra visitors. "It looked more like Blackpool sea front at times," said delighted organiser Gary Hood.

"It was more successful than we planned for.

"Most of the venues were a sell-out throughout the weekend.

"The leisure centre with the real ale festival was packed all weekend and although it wasn't a sell-out on Monday we still had 500 people in there.

"There were thousands and thousands of people in the town centre and certainly more people came to Colne than in previous years.

"There was a really good buzz round the town."

Preparations for next year's festival have already started and organisers are hoping to "fine-tune" the success of this year's event to make 1998 bigger and better.

"We're looking for ways to make improvements all the time," added Gary.

"Next year we will try to make things a bit more comfortable for the people milling around the town centre."

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