MUSIC for all was enjoyed in Dartmouth when the town opened its doors on this year's big celebration of songs, sounds and scintillating performance.

The annual three-day Dart Music Festival, now in its 18th year, was certainly a birthday to remember as crowds swarmed into the town for the event from Friday to Sunday.

More than 100 performances spanning every genre of music from opera to Country and Western could be heard in venues from pubs to churches.

And there was entertainment in the sunshine, too, as the bandstand proved a focal point for many spectators and the Market Square buzzed with great sounds and great food.

Musicians from bands to students and classical performers delighted and entertained – many receiving standing ovations to sell out audiences.

Festival chairman Pam Braakenburg said: 'What a weekend it was.

'The weather was kind and the music was fabulous, from opera in the church to The Wurzels in the gardens, it could only happen at the Dart Music Festival.

'I want to thank all the people who made it possible for us to stage our 18th festival, our sponsors, all those who made donations, and my marvellous committee who work all year to make sure each festival is better than the last. In addition, many thanks go to our volunteers who helped with such things as collecting, sound management, sales of merchandise , not forgetting the Britannia Royal Naval College cadets who acted as car park attendants. It really was a community event.

'I stand to be corrected, but I am very proud to say the Dart Music Festival is unique in that we do not charge for any of our music and, judging from all the positive feedback we have had, this is much appreciated by both local people and visitors to our beautiful town.'

Musical director Hilary Day said one of the highlights was a memorable performances at the bandstand by students from Dartmouth Academy, followed by a stirring performance by the BRNC Volunteer Band.

'Mighty Leap ended the evening with their great reggae set getting everyone dancing,' she said.

'Saturday was full to the brim, with music ranging from children's sing along with Poco Drom doing the worm wiggle to the wonderful Connie Lush singing her powerful blues.

'Moulettes had the audience entranced with their complex and beautiful folk. Jo Harman performed for the second year running and again the crowd loved her. And nothing like a touch of Jimi Hendrix, courtesy of the Gimi Hendrix Experience to finish a great day off.

'Sunday was another day of blue skies and the build up towards the headline act continued. Pirates on stage with Tom Mason from the USA, were followed by Urban Folk Quartet who literally had the crowd jumping out of their seats.

'Gary Quinn gave us a wonderful Country set with his band. And then, of course, the Wurzels who filled the whole bandstand area with crowds of fans, all singing along to their well-known songs.

'Party time followed with The Normals playing a mix of ska/folk/pop/rock with their pumping brass duo and tight rhythm section. Tankus the Henge closed this year's festival, getting the crowd dancing with their energetic set leaving everyone wanting more.'

Hilary said other venues had also been packing in the crowds, with To the Sun and Billy Thompson Gypsy Jazz proving top hits at the Guildhall and Will McNicol and Luke Selby receiving a standing ovation in The Masonic Hall. Velvet and Stone filled Bayard's Cove Fort to capacity with around 250 people watching their set.

A great atmosphere filled the Market Square all weekend, where music and food proved a double delight.

Mama Tokus entertained with an impromptu set in Foss Street and Poco Drom delighted youngsters in the library and Market Square.

Marilyn Bird, director of classical music, said: 'All the festival performers think our festival is the best. They love the town and the atmosphere, and the wonderful audiences we get and they all want to return next year.

'They are amazed at our ethos of "music for all" and that we do not charge at our concerts and stunned that we are able to raise the £55,000 to put it together each year.

'I cannot pick a highlight as each concert had its own special moments. The wonderful organ and piano recitals and joyous choirs to the foot stomping rendition of the Budapest cafe Orchestra's Grieg's piano concerto and Nesum Dorma raising the roof in St Saviour's Church with Peter Knapp's Opera company were all magical.

'However, a 13-year-old little girl playing a giant marimba solo with the Devon Youth Orchestra and that Charles Hazlewood asked his young daughter to sing for us during his very powerful presentation just blew me away.'

Festival vice chairman Alan Depledge said: 'This year's festival was amazing, 18 years old and better than ever. All venues were packed and busier than last year and no trouble with the crowds who just wanted to enjoy the live music for all tastes.

'The Wurzels produced the biggest crowd ever in front of the bandstand stage on Sunday afternoon and the Flavel Arts Centre required people to reserve free tickets for the concerts that were fully taken before the weekend started.'

Mr Depledge said this year, before the event, the festival committee had invited local food outlets to a meeting to discuss takeaway food during the weekend.

'We wanted to ensure they could cope with the huge demand that happens when happy festival goers want to eat and still listen to the music,' he said. 'More importantly we are strongly committed to ensuring all the food available is supplied by local businesses. Our policy is to only use local traders for this local festival.

'The policy worked extremely well this year. Feedback from food outlets and pubs tells us this year was the best ever.'