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An estimated 40,000 music fans poured into pubs of Nantwich in south Cheshire for a non-stop programme of musical entertainment.

It was all part of the 13th Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival which included many internationally-renowned performers and a wealth of homegrown talent in 20 venues across town.

It all kicked off on Thursday 09 April with A Mez Fest at the Civic Hall with a variety of local bands performing including the Nantwich band Sgt. Wolf Banger.

Sandi's sell-out show

Rounding off the festival was headline act Sandi Thom with a sell-out show at High Street hotel.

She shot to fame with 'I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker' after webcasting gigs from her basement flat in Tooting.

The festival attracted some class performers such as the British saxophonist Snake Davis, Texan guitarist Hamilton Loomis and electric blues master Sherman Robertson.

Plus there was a live set from Soul'd on Blues featuring 60s legends Cliff Bennett, Herbie Goins and Chris Farlow.

Beating the recession blues

Festival director, Phillip Martin, said: "The line-up was great and this year more than any other you got a sense of people determined to enjoy themselves.

"I did wonder how the festival would fair against the recession but regulars obviously didn't want to cut back on an event they enjoy year after year.

"The result couldn't have been any better. The town was bustling especially on Saturday and Sunday which had the best of the sunshine.

"With all this economic doom and gloom about, it was great to see people letting their hair down and having a good time."