THE (Purbeck) hills were alive with the sound of music as the Swanage Blues Festival entertained thousands of revellers.

More than 100 acts performed during this weekend’s four-day event with music lovers flocking from around the country to fill the town’s pubs, restaurants and hotels to feast on an array of live performances.

Organiser Steve Darrington said: “It has been just lovely to have so many people here to enjoy it.

“Initially I was concerned that the weather might put people off, but of course all of our events are inside and thankfully it cleared up.

“It is a nice lift to the town off-season and I understand that it is a great boost to the economy.

“I know that you can’t get a room during the festival and some people book their hotels up to three years in advance.”

Acts playing this year included the Fabulous Fezheads, Pete Harris R&B Allstars, Riverside Blues Band, Saiichi Sugiyama Band, The Mustangs, Voodoo Sheiks and The Riotous Brothers.

As well as gigs taking place at pubs, there was also a plethora of buskers playing at the town’s railway station across the four days. Steve said he is incredibly proud of how the event has increased in popularity and size since its inception in 2001.

“It has has grown naturally and organically,” he added.

Of the music on show, he said: “I always say it is the rhythms of life. It is music to dance to, to love to, to smile to and have fun to.”