Swanage blues festival declared best ever (From Bournemouth Echo)

Swanage blues festival declared best ever

11:11am Monday 4th March 2013 in News By Arron Hendy

THE latest Swanage Blues Festival was declared “the best ever” with the town “buzzing” for three days.

The resort’s pubs thronged to the sound of music with visitors also filling the town’s bed and breakfasts and eateries to provide a boost outside of the summer season.

Organiser Steve Darrington was struck down with a bug and missed much of the revelry but said he was buoyed by messages throughout confirming the three day event was a success.

“Everything has gone very well with lots of very happy people,” he said.

“And the artist Robin Bibi said it’s the best ever, which is great considering it is the 19th one.

“One lady sent me a message saying “it’s magical and it’s wonderful to be here”.

The blues festival started as a birthday party for local taxi driver George Crane, who turns 65 this year.

A single £10 weekend wristband ensured entry at 60 gigs in 15 indoor venues.

The venues included pubs and there were popular busking performances at the railway station.

The Corfe Castle Royal British Legion also joined the list of places hosting the acts.

The festival is held twice each year with both dates set outside the tourist season to help traders.

Steve added: “The most important thing is it has brought a lot of business into the town.

“The town has been buzzing all weekend. The bed-and-breakfasts and restaurants were full and that’s lovely.”