THE area's first music festival of the year went ahead without a hitch over the bank holiday weekend.

The four-day jazz and blues event, Jazz Jurassica, was held over the weekend, treating residents to full programme of music every afternoon from Friday, May 28 until Monday, May 31.

Performances took place at the Marine Theatre and in Theatre Square, Lyme Regis.

In order to comply with social distancing measures, the team behind the event reduced audience numbers inside the theatre and moved bigger events onto the square outdoors.

A spokesperson for the festival said: "We’d like to thank all the musicians, technical crew, and volunteers for giving their all for our best festival yet.

"Despite the pandemic we managed to spread some joy and happiness over the weekend.

"Thank you to everyone who came along - 2022 here we come."

Despite recent wet weather being a potential concern for the performances taking place in the Theatre Square, the sun shone throughout the event as residents and visitors alike enjoyed some music in the sun.

The free outdoor performances included the likes of Dorchester-based blues singer Zoe Schwarz, B Sharp music leader Harvey Causley, harmonica playing Ian Briggs and 'the blue-eyed soul boy' Jonah Hitchens.

The indoor events at the Marine Theatre saw We Are Leif, Leigh Coleman’s Bill Withers show and guitarist and songwriter Martin Harley with his new electric band.

There was also street food stalls on both Marine Parade and on Gun Cliff Walk to feed hungry festival-goers.

Jazz Jurassica was one of a handful of festivals able to go ahead this year in spite of organisational and functionality issues as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The festival successfully applied for a grant from the Arts Council in December to ensure the festival would be financially viable, since social distancing regulations will mean a smaller audience and therefore smaller ticket sale revenues.

Organisers are now turning their attention to 2022.