A CARNIVAL atmosphere took over a town centre as it enjoyed its busiest weekend of the year with a cracker of a street festival.

Entertainers, musicians, traders and crafts people combined to bring an exciting new look to Colne town centre as thousands of people milled around soaking up the atmosphere of the Great British Rhythm and Blues Music Festival.

Many canny shopkeepers stayed open yesterday and were expected to do so again today to cash in on the bumper crowds.

Wacky Australian band Psycho Zydeco provided the musical entertainment outside the town's market hall yesterday while today a touch of South American salsa was provided by The Peace Artists.

Cotton Pickin' Blues, a production written specially for Colne by Crag Rats ReAct drama group, was performed and youngsters were able to learn circus skills such as juggling and stilt walking.

The town centre streets were alive with crowds enjoying a drink and entering into the party spirit of the occasion.

Street Festival organiser Joanne Johnson said: "The Street Festival and Blues Festival were two events rolled into one and they brought thousands of people into Colne. It was a great weekend of entertainment for everyone."

The Blues Festival finishes tonight.

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