THOUSANDS of music lovers braved the rain to be entertained at the weekend’s Darwen Live festival.

Organisers hailed the line-up as their ‘best ever’, despite working on half the budget of previous years.

Nineties pop act Dodgy, known for hits such as Staying Out for the Summer, If You’re Thinking of Me, and Good Enough, were among the headline acts on the main stage yesterday.

And the star turn was Billy Bragg, singer and political activist, who worked the crowds with his mix of punk, folk and rock from his 30-year career.

Market Square was transformed into the main stage, while other venues such as Darwen Library Theatre, Franky’s Bar, The Bridgewater, The Millstone, Marigolds, the Catholic Club, Bar Java, Roxy, Bridge Street Sports and Social Club, the Crown Hotel and 3 in a Bar also hosted performances.

Coun Trevor Maxfield, who helped arrange the free event for the town council, said the local bands also attracted big followings.

He said: “It was a damp start, but the crowds soon turned up and gave the acts a really good reception.

“There were big cheers for The Scene, Madson, Revolter, Cherrybomb and The Soul Train too.

“Once the sun was out, people packed into the town.”

Coun Maxfield said this year had been a balancing act between managing on a £20,000 budget and putting on a good show with a mix of big-name acts and local talent.

He said: “The main stage is only for one day this year and we’ve got lots of volunteers helping out with things such as litter pickers.

“This is probably the best show we’ve put on, despite the lack of resources.”