ORGANISERS have hailed an annual jazz festival as a huge success.

Hundreds of music fans descended on Darlington for the town’s third annual jazz festival this weekend, which saw more than 20 bands perform at three venues - The Forum, in Borough Road; Voodoo Cafe, in Skinnergate, and the Head of Steam museum.

Headline acts Mark Nightingale and The Al Wood Nine played alongside local bands, including the Durham County Youth Big Band and Jazz in my Pants.

The festival has grown every year and showcases talented local musicians, while securing big names in jazz.

It also aims to encourage young people in the region to get involved as listeners, performers and organisers.

It is the first year the event has been held at three venues across the town.

Kirsty Dunn, one of the organisers, said: “It has gone really well, we have had a brilliant weekend.

“It is always good to get local people involved and expand the festival. We have tried new things this year and we will be doing them again next year.

“It is also the first time we have had a website and been on Twitter, which has helped spread the word.”

The event started the annual Darlington Arts Festival, which runs throughout May.

For more information visit darlingtonforculture.org