MORE than 15,000 people turned out for the ‘re-boot’ of the sun-soaked Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival.

The event, organised for the first time by Colne Town Council, saw blues artists perform at venues across the town.

Organisers have described the festival as a great success and praised the ‘positive atmosphere’ around the town.

Police had to close off Albert Road on Saturday night due to crowd safety fears but the event organiser Jason Elliott said that had nothing to do with any of the venues hosting blues events, which were tightly run.

Mr Elliott said: “The event has performed better than expected.

“Part of that has been down to the sunny weather, but it is also down to the fresh impetus and positivity surrounding the event.

“It has been like a re-booted festival.

“The feedback I have received from people on the street has been really positive and the artists have been made to fell really welcome and interacted well with the crowds.”

This year was the first time there were no ‘legacy acts’ and Mr Elliott said crowds responded well to seeing the best current talent.

Other entertainment included jugglers and stilt walkers.

Mr Elliott said he hoped to see the event return next year but that would be a ‘conversation for the politicians’ and based on how the event performed financially.