AROUND 2,000 music fans descended on Purbeck this weekend for the popular Swanage Blues Festival.

The festival runs twice a year, in March and October, and the latest event has been hailed another success, with pubs and restaurants throughout town reporting brisk trade.

Blues fans from around the world made the journey to the Victorian seaside resort, which this year boasted 36 bands playing 18 indoor venues across four days. 

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One band, Northsyde, is appearing on today's line-up after jetting-in from Moscow, where they've been playing to Russian fans. 

Meanwhile, the band Blues Business - based on the Kent/Sussex border - played a festival gig at Corfe Castle British Legion ahead of a planned trip to Kathmandu, Nepal, for an appearance at the Himalayan Blues Festival. 

Organiser Steve Darrington said: “There was a real international feel this year. Town was very busy, everything appeared to be going really well. They all looked happy. It is a great boost for the local economy, one fan told me how they look forward to the March festival so much as it signals the end of the dreary season and the start of spring. 

“Regular fans love the friendly atmosphere and the wide range of electric and acoustic music played by a host of top musicians in bars and restaurants.

“There were also opportunities for budding stars who wished to take part in the many open mic and jam sessions, often alongside their heroes.”

Bands such as Back Porch, The Riotous Brothers, Voodoo Sheiks, The Mustangs and the Fabulous Fezheads were among the host of acts taking part this year.

Steve thanked everyone who purchased a £10 wristband, without whom he says the festival would not survive.

 “It's an honesty thing,” said Steve. “If we had to have security staff the admission price would increase to more than £30 a weekend just to cover the extra costs.”

Venues this year included the Black Swan, The Legion, Ship Inn and the Anchor.

Steve said: “Thousands of fans came from all over the world to create a big town party in 18 indoor venues, where they enjoyed 36 bands playing music for dancing, drinking, eating, laughing and loving.

 “More and more youngsters are coming to play and enjoy the music.”

Visit swanage-blues.org for more information.