RECORD attendances and sell-out concerts saw an art exhibition attract its highest number of visitors to date.

The Burton Bradstock Festival of Music and Art catered for all tastes with brilliant classical, jazz, world and folk music, with artistic director David Juritz leading a cast of internationally acclaimed performers in 11 concerts over five days.

The week of activities began with a festival evensong at St Mary's Church, and although poor weather compromised the opening tea party in the Vicarage Gardens, it didn't compromise two later 'fringe events'.

A new event for this year's event was 'Castaway with Craig Ogden', where the guitarist talked about and played his favourite music.

Other performers included the accordion virtuoso Milos Milivojevic, distinguished harpist Eluned Pierce, and Sarah Beth Briggs, winner of Salzburg's International Mozart Prize and youngster-ever BBC Young Musician of the Year finalist.

Acclaimed Irish folk group Ranagri making a welcome return as did the jazz combo, 6Pac, while the Atéa Wind Quintet flew back from Denmark for three concerts.

When asked what attributed to the success of the festival, Bill Cain, chairman of the festival committee, said: "It is David Juritz and the amazing musicians that bring such quality and diversity to the programme that just has to be heard to be believed.

"To have the good fortune of an excellent art exhibition at the same time adds a major dimension to the event and finally the hard work of volunteers in the village makes this a unique festival."

As the musicians departed, artistic director David Juritz believed there is another special ingredient to the festival.

David said: "The festival runs on the tightest of shoestrings but we've a small army of volunteers doing everything from putting up the stage to making sure that there's a pudding (usually two) to follow the musician's supper.

"As our Russian violinist, Yuri Zhislin said, Burton Bradstock is 'home away from home'. It's that connection with this gorgeous village that makes it so special for all of us. "We love coming back because it feels like we're playing for friends. It has to be Britain's friendliest festival."

Next year the spring concert will take place on Friday, May 31 and the main festival will take place from Saturday, August 10 until Sunday, August 19.

To find out more, visit burtonbradstockfestival.com