THE Proclaimers demonstrated that whatever sweet treats Ramsbottom serves up throughout the rest of the year, the long-time appeal of the brothers from Leith is still worth savouring.

Festivals appear to be what Ramsbottom does best - just ask the thousands who turn up to celebrate the town's affinity with black puddings, pies and chocolate on a regular basis.

But the town's eponymous musical gathering seems to have cemented its place in the hearts of North West music fans who want to indulge in eclectic line-ups, without trekking down to the southern delights of Glastonbury and Reading.

Charlie and Craig Reid, confirming once and for all they are so much more than a couple of well-known sing-a-longs, had been touring their new album Let's Hear It For The Dogs, around the UK summer circuit, before pitching up at Acre Bottom to headline Ramsbottom's final night.

Then it seemed like the promoters had made a deliberate play to recruit some of rock's sweethearts for the top-end of the bill over the three days.

Roddy Woomble (corr) and Idlewild have enjoyed a resurgence with their eight studio effort, Everything Ever Written, and were on fine form on Saturday , just as it was announced they will play at Edinburgh's Hogmanay concert with Biffy Clyro.

And the Wonder Stuff, ably backed by brother-sisters indie survivors The Magic Numbers, kicked things off in grand style on Friday.

Harp and a Monkey, the adventurous folk group featuring local lead singer Martin Purdy, which performed in a Zeppelin bomb crater just last month, came down to earth for a festival slot, opening up proceedings on the main stage on Saturday.

Away from the music, the walking mechanical installation The Marie Celestial and circus theatre performers The Wheel House dazzled the crowds, with Responsible Fishing UK sharing the ancient secrets of stone balancing, for those able to maintain their equilibrium.

And for the youngsters, the likes of Professor Jigget's Cabin of Curiosity and lessons on how to play the saw provided intriguing distractions. The Town Band of Bremen and the award-winning Besses o'th' Barn Band providing a traditional counterpoint to the general fare.