The marquee is up, the stage is set and the bands are arriving in town today ready for the Maryport Blues Festival.

The event kicked off yesterday with Yesterday's Youth.

Residents from local rest homes and older people who enjoyed the music of yesteryear enjoyed music from mainly local artists.

The blues festival proper starts tonight.

Only one person has asked for a refund after headliner Wilko Johnson pulled out because of a heart attack.

Organiser Debra Park said: "We have actually even sold a few more tickets because of the popularity of his replacement, Todd Sharpville who is a favourite with Maryport audiences."

Hotels, bed and breakfasts and private homes are filling up as people head to Maryport for its annual blues festival this weekend.

Festival organisers had a huge blow last week when headliner Wilko Johnson cancelled after his bassist was taken ill – but this week only one person had asked for a ticket refund.

Festival spokeswoman Debra Park said: “A lot of people were disappointed but are still coming. In fact, we have sold some extra tickets after announcing the Todd Sharpville Band was stepping in.”

More than 70 bands will play live in participating pubs, clubs and cafes around the town as well as on the outdoor stage and the main stage opposite the marina.

Todd Sharpville was a headliner some years ago and proved very popular. His return this year, along with his one-eyed dog, will temper the disappointment of those who wanted to hear Wilko.

Blues veteran Andy Fairweather Low heads up tonight’s line-up, with the acclaimed Connie Lush Band, teenage superstar Aaron Keylock, and Bad Moon also set to appear. Tomorrow’s programme includes Secure Unit and the Kyla Brox Duo in the early afternoon.

Chris Bevington Organisation and psychedelic soul trio Blackballed both feature, with prominent bluesman Jon Amor playing main support to Todd Sharpville.

Sunday wraps up with another five live acts – Howlin’ Mat, The Jar Family, and Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes precede an appearance by German blues favourite Henrik Freischlader.

It is left to virtuoso guitarist Matt Schofield and his band to round out the festival with an evening headline show.

The outdoor stage features a mix of Cumbrian acts and touring bands including Quireboys, Illumenium, Broken English, Soul Junction, Brian Rawson Band, Pot Luck, and Thirteen Stars; and Sunday welcomes Red Spider, AWOL, Mersey Delta Blues Band, and Novello Shores.

The blues trail is an integral part of the festival. Participating are the Navy Club, Sailor’s Return, Golden Lion, Phoenix Tap, Annabel’s Cafe, the Labour Club, Butchers Arms, the Thomas Henry, Netherhall Old Boys, Her Citi, Maryport Rugby League Club, and Netherhall Camp Site.

Tickets and programmes are available at points around the town throughout the weekend.