THE new look Lyme Regis Jazz, Blues and Real Ale Weekend proved a success with crowds of music lovers packing out events.

The name was changed this year and for the first time ever it was based entirely at the Marine Theatre.

The line-up included local and international musicians, performing over three days, headlined by Geno Washington and the Yo-Yos and Ginger Baker's Jazz Confusion.

Also new for this year was the real ale element, with the Lyme's Mighty Hop Brewery and Town Mill Brewery and Chideock's Art Brew selling locally brewed drinks at the theatre.

Although there were some changes this time, many old favourites returned, including Gerry Brown and the Mission Hall Band who performed at the official opening ceremony at Cobb Gate on Friday, when town mayor Sally Holman declared the 2013 festival open.

The popular Grand Umbrella Parade was also in its usual Saturday morning slot, led by lady marshall Val Chambers, town crier Alan Vian, Coun Holman, mayoress Jane Whittington, deputy mayor Anita Williams, and deputy mayor's consort Keith Killingback.

The dozens of brightly coloured umbrellas were used to shade from the sun as the parade moved down Broad Street and along the seafront.

The weekend was organised this year by Tony Colston, of By the Bay Restaurant, and Marine Theatre directors Tim Bell and Harry Long.

Tim said: "This is the first year the Lyme Regis Jazz, Blues and Real Ale weekend has been based entirely at the Marine Theatre, parade aside of course.

“Harry and I worked together with Tony Colston to programme a mix of exceptional local artists alongside headliners with international reputations and we couldn't have been more pleased with the results.

“For anyone who attended all of the events, I think they'll agree they each had unique atmospheres.

“A personal highlight for me was Geno Washington. His voice blew away the 250 people crammed into the theatre.

“He's the same age as Mick Jagger and he has the moves to match.

“We were also very proud to have been able to welcome Ginger Baker's Jazz Confusion.

“The quality was exceptional and to be able to bring an artist like Ginger to Lyme Regis, when he's previously sold out both Madison Square Gardens and the Albert Hall, made the festival fantastic.

“As for ticket sales, three of the five sessions sold out, with very healthy numbers in the remaining two.

“The umbrella parade had a great turn out once again. It's a brilliant Lyme tradition that pulls in crowds from far and wide, all bearing very colourful umbrellas.”