DARWEN Jazz and Blues Festival could soon rival the town’s live music festival, claims one of the event’s supporters.

Town mayor Coun Paul Browne said the jazz and blues event was drawing bigger crowds year on year.

And he said in time it could be as big as Darwen Live, which attracts thousands of visitors.

The Jazz and Blues Festival is now in its third year and the town council has agreed to increase its contribution to the event to ensure its success.

The committee agreed to hand over £1,500, an increase of £500 on last year.

Coun Browne said the funds would be used to secure the Library Theatre as a venue.

He added: “Quite a lot of people come into the town for the festival. It is good for the town and good for businesses because people will be spending a little more.

"The festival is growing and I think it will keep growing. In time it could be an attraction like Darwen Music Live. It has attracted people from Bolton and the Ribble Valley in previous years.

“It is money well spent. I can’t stress enough how much money the jazz festival brings to the town.”

The date for this year’s event is still to be set but previously it has been held in August.

Businesses such as the White Lion, The Millstone, The Bridgewater, 3 In A Bar, The Crown, The Black Horse and Darwen Leisure Centre have taken part.

And bands such as King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, a swing band highly regarded on the British and European rhythm and blues circuit, have performed.