Last updated at 19:44, Thursday, 02 August 2012

It's a job well done, as Maryport Blues Festival organiser Debra Park receives congratulations from fans’ favourite Ben Poole at the event last weekend.

WELL DONE: Maryport Blues Festival organiser Debra Park gets a kiss from Ben Poole before his performance at the town’s Wave Centre

Mrs Park and the Maryport Festivals committee are now taking stock after what some say was a festival of two halves.

Town centre publicans were delighted with capacity crowds. But outdoor stages were not as well supported and the main stage at the Wave Centre was full only on Sunday night.

Mrs Park said it appeared that all costs had been covered and the immediate future of the event seemed secure.

But she said she was aware of some concerns expressed over the weekend.

Many people with trail wristbands said they had given up trying to get into some pubs because they were too crowded.

Mrs Park said this could have been partially due to the weather, while the quality of music also increased demand.

She said it was obvious that some music was needed outside on Shipping Brow, as in previous years. She added that it was unlikely that the festival would go back to a free stage there but the committee would look at a way to provide outdoor music.

There was also concern that the atmosphere in the Wave Centre was lacking. Mrs Park said the committee would be looking at this too.

She added: “We have got a lot of options and matters to discuss for next year.

“We are just pleased that the new-look, stripped-back festival went even better than we could have hoped.”

Police were also happy with the weekend. A spokeswoman said: “The festival was busy and everybody enjoyed the good atmosphere.

“There were no significant incidents reported to police, which demonstrates how well people worked together and got into the spirit of the event.”

l Blues festival picture special – Pages 6 and 7

First published at 19:22, Thursday, 02 August 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk