Superb jazz gigs kept music lovers highly entertained from Thursday until Sunday.

The festival kicked off with wonderful gigs by the Sue Parish band, the Sam Dale Band, Andy Schofield with Orbit and jam sessions on Thursday.

Friday was even more jazz packed with storming gigs by the Swing Commanders, Off the Rails big band, Blast Furness, the French Connection, Mealtime with Grutronic and more open jam sessions at the Stonewell.

Throughout Saturday there was a fabulous selection of jazz performances by the Groove Crusaders, Mrs Columbo, Hotcha, Backsheesh, Trio Whackbas, the Living Room, the Gary Boyle Trio and the amazing Courtney Pine.

Finally on Sunday the line- up included Bill Wilding, Sun Street Stompers, Four in a Bar, and Max Blues jam session.

Speaking as a performer with Off the Rails, it was a priviledge to be part of this fantastic festival.

For me the most exciting, atmospherically charged and musically rich parts of the festival were the funky jam sessions at the Stonewell pub. The unrehearsed performances, many of them led by composer and musician Sam Dale, were an absolute delight.

They revealed the endless well of talent that exists in the Lancaster and Morecambe area. Who needs Courtney Pine (only kidding!)

Friday night's session featuring sax players, trombonists, bass, drumkit, guitars and a smattering of congas from the bar's owner was one of the most enjoyable nights of music I'd experienced for a long time.

The entire festival was a tribute to its main organiser, Euan Smith, who has left for pastures new to pursue a career as a composer.

* Jam sessions regularly take place at the Stonewell on Sunday afternoons.