By Graeme Strachan

ORGANISERS LAST NIGHT described this year’s Dundee Blues Bonanza (DBB) as the best ever.

Its growth has earned Dundee the tag Blues Capital of Scotland and the event again saw the city centre’s pubs and clubs packed out with around 12,000 fans.

The variable weather failed to dampen spirits as the city centre was transformed into Britain’s biggest free pub trail music festival.

Thought to be the biggest free blues festival in Europe, DBB has become the jewel in the crown of the local music scene over the last 15 years.

This year’s event took place in over 30 venues featuring bands from across the UK and a dash of international acts.

It kicked off in Dexter’s on Friday with the Big Bonanza Launch Party and finished last night with The Blues Kings bringing the curtain down on the event at the Doghouse.

Event chairman Bob Telford said, “It’s just great live music and that’s why people keep coming back.

“We’re now in our 15th year and it’s been another huge success. I am glad so many people enjoyed the festivities over the weekend.”

Highlights included Jimmy C and The Blue Dragons, The Blue Stripes, The Flaming Stratmen, Wolftrain and one man-band Nikolaj Andersen from Denmark.

Alongside the main blues trail were workshops for adults and youngsters, acoustic and electric jams and a photo exhibition.

Fans also took the opportunity to help raise some money by buying programmes and putting cash in collection tins for the bonanza charities this year—the Teenage Cancer Trust and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Chairman of the Scottish Blues Alliance Billy Allardyce said the weekend had been a spectacular success and had even managed to surpass last year’s achievements.

Billy played with his band Papa Mojo in Tally’s on Saturday and in Number Twenty Five yesterday, but in between gigs was out soaking up the atmosphere.

“It’s been absolutely great and it’s the best yet,” he said.

“The artists love this event—it’s one of the highlights of our year.

“But I’ve not seen the crowds this big, everyone’s been having a great time.”

Music fans also declared it the best yet.

Scott Cumming of West Ferry said, “It’s been a superb weekend of music.

“There’s been so many bands to see. I’m really enjoying it.”