Blues music banished the economic gloom as musicians put on a heart-warming weekend of gigs.

The first Broadstairs Blues Bash was so successful that organisers have vowed to make it a regular feature in the east Kent music calendar.

Russell Grooms, who co-organised the event with Nigel Feist, said: “The atmosphere was terrific, the music was great and the response was superb.

“When we considered the idea, we were a little concerned that the credit crunch and the economic gloom would force people to stay home and not make the effort - but they did and they loved it.

“People from all over Kent turned up for gigs on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We staggered the shows so that it was possible to get a taster of all the different forms of blues music that was on show.

“The players really enjoyed the weekend and are behind us, so it looks like there will be another Blues Bash next year and hopefully it will become a regular event.”

Bands taking part included Blues Abuse, Grocer Jack, The Jives, The Blues Bandits, Goosebumps, Canary Wolf, The Roy Mette Band, Broken Biscuit, Porchswing Blues, King Size Slim and Hot Rats.

A four-hour jam session at the Pavilion including tutorials and workshops was another popular feature of the weekend.