HUNDREDS of music lovers braved the ice and the snow to attend this year's Swanage Blues Festival, despite Storm Emma doing her worst to interrupt proceedings.

Some gigs were cancelled, as a number of performers struggled to make the journey - particularly on the Thursday and Friday.

And conditions also meant numbers on the Friday were down.

However, organiser Steve Darrington said: "There was a tremendous feeling of the show must go on.

"You fan, musicians and all you people who work in the business and local residents make me proud to be part of such a wonderful community of Swanage blues supporters."

However, the weather improved significantly on Saturday for day three of the four-day event.

On Saturday, organiser Steve said: "Today is a lot different to yesterday. The ice is going, roads are a lot better, and local taxis are running."

On Friday the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club had so much ice and snow, they had to cancel a weekend performance of the seven piece band The Fabulous Duck Brothers.

And Swanage Bay View Holiday Park, which was set to host festival gigs, was closed throughout due to thick ice on the slopes making it impossible for vehicles.

Bands that couldn't attend included festival favourites Back Porch, Catfish, Northsyde and The Milk Men.

But revellers were not too disappointed as a host of blues talent did play throughout the event.

Bands that took the stage, at a range of venues around Swanage, included the Robin Bibi Band, the Riverside Blues Band, and Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion.

On Sunday Steve said: "Sadly neither Catfish nor Northsyde can be here but both bands are looking forward to coming back in October."