CONGRATULATIONS to all those involved in the organisation of the second Darwen Music Festival and the first-ever Darwen Beer Festival.

It was great to see thousands of people flocking to the centre of Darwen over the bank holiday weekend. The council's sponsorship of the event was critical in making it go ahead, but it would not have been so successful without the support of so many Darwen businesses and volunteers. I am already looking forward to next year.

COUN DAVE HOLLINGS

(Sunnyhurst Ward), Sudell Road, Darwen.