RECORD crowds at the Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival turned the Easter weekend into the busiest the town has ever known.

Last year's record 40,000 attendance was 'obliterated', according to festival organiser Phillip Martin.

Mr Martin, who has organised the festival since it began eight years ago, said: 'I have never known anything like it. The town was like Wembley used to be on Cup Final day.

'At my place, the Crown Hotel, we were almost having to let one person out to let another one in right throughout the weekend.'

And one of the town's newest landlords, Rob Lester at the Red Cow, sampling his first festival, said: 'Unbelievable! I had heard the festival was busy, but I was not prepared for this. I got £300 worth of change, but I should have got £1,000 worth.

'I don't really know the man yet, but Phillip Martin who organises the event should be granted the freedom of the town for the people and trade he brings in. The festival really puts Nantwich on the map.'

Top bands from all over the UK played at the two main venues, the Civic Hall and the Crown Hotel, throughout the weekend and there were non-stop free shows in most of the town's pubs.

Mr Martin said: 'In the past Saturday was something of a warm-up day with just one daytime show in the town square.

'But this year there were 10 free afternoon gigs in pubs. The demand is so great now we just have to get in as many shows as possible.

'Last year we had an estimated 40,000 people in town, but although we have not done a proper count yet, that figure has obviously been obliterated.'

This year's event has been dedicated to Peter Hardy, a musician who played in the festival on numerous occasions.

Peter, who lived at Audlem, died late last year aged just 40.

Mr Martin said: 'Peter was liked by everyone who met him and played a big part in the festival over several years. He has really been missed this year.'