Agency by William Gibson 
Congleton Jazz and Blues Festival will become even more successful as the town develops, organisers have said.
Visitors were dancing in the streets at the weekend as some pubs and bars were busy during two days of live music in 24 venues.
The traditional umbrella parade led by Beartown Stompers jazz band during Saturday lunchtime set the tone for what followed until the final performances on Sunday evening.
Mark Bailey, chair of Congleton Live, which organises the festival, as well as Congleton Unplugged each spring, said: “Jazz and Blues was absolutely fantastic once again. We’ve had feedback from various venues who’ve said it’s been their best weekend in terms of takings.
“One of the objectives is about footfall to the town to make sure the town can survive. Numbers were up again on this time last year.”
He added that the free bus service from the train station “certainly” helped. It was extended to 8pm for the first time.
Mr Bailey said he was aware that some venues were so packed during the weekend that people could not get in.
“The festival is designed in such a way that there are gaps between when bands play so people do move around the town so they don’t end up being in the same venue,” he said.
“What I think was quite nice was, as an example, people were saying ‘We couldn’t get in to Barley Hops so what did we do? We danced outside! We could still hear the music’. It’s that whole festival vibe.”
Mr Bailey said the festival’s success grew each year as the town continued to develop.
He added: “We had the Congleton Market Quarter with us for the first time and as places continue to develop, we will use different places, which is why we used the physic garden. These places are a bit quirky. It’s not just about pubs and bars.”
After a short break, Congleton Live will look ahead to next year’s events.
“It makes sense to talk to the people who have just had a great weekend and say ‘You went down really well. Will you put us in your diary again?’” said Mr Bailey, who also praised the “great team” that he worked with at Congleton Live.
(Photo: John Baddeley).
