A record 1,500 danced the night away at the Town Party in Ledbury last Saturday.

The crowd packed into High Street was 500 up on last year.

Peter Arscott, organiser of the event, part of Ledbury Poetry Festival, was particularly pleased to see so many younger people this year. But, as ever, the party was enjoyed by all ages.

Young and old alike danced and swayed to the music of Cajun band Whisky River (formerly Baton Rouge), followed by salsa supremo Omar Puente and his band, Raices Cubanas.

Both seemed to have some problem with getting the sound balance right and insisted on further technical checks. But once the music began, there was no stopping the feel good factor.

Mr Arscott said: "The party went down very well. It was a happy occasion and it didn't rain. The mood was good humoured. It remained a true town party."

Street traders appeared to do a roaring trade, with a wide variety of snacks and hot food on offer.

Business under the Market House was also brisk, where there were queues for real ale and cider.

In between the music, the performance poet Philip Wells gave it his all with firecracker lyricism that won over his audience and had them shouting out responses to his promptings.