The afternoon may have started off with overcast skies but there was nothing grey about the Marlborough Jazz Festival as the event got into full swing yesterday.

Thousands of music fans descended on the town for the second day of the festival with audiences being wowed by jazz megastar Clare Teal who showcased her new single And So It Goes as well as performing a number of classics.

Over in AZUZA the award-winning band the Nigel Price Quartet played and engaging set and for those preferring a more chilled out vibe, best newcomer nominee Jazz Mash performed in the garden of The Green Dragon.

Amy Spatz came down from London with a group of friends to enjoy the festival.

She said: “It’s been really good fun.

“We haven’t gone into many of the tents because of the kids but I’ve loved the atmosphere and listening to all the music coming from the different tents and seeing everybody having a good time.”

Getting the crowds moving were the UK’s number one jive and swing band Jive Aces who were joined on stage by sassy American performers Satin Dollz.

Jazz quartet Lemongrove proved to be crowd pleasers by taking requests from the audience, while The Darius Brubeck Quartet played to a packed Town Hall.

The Fire Station was transformed into a unique music venue for the weekend and played host to Cuban outfit Son Yambu who added a touch of salsa to the festivities.

Sergeant Barry Reed said that the Marlborough Neighbourhood Police team had experienced no problems during the festival.

He said: “We’ve arrested two shoplifters from Newbury for shoplifting items from One Stop and when they were searched they were found to have stolen credit cards on them.

“Jazz wise we’ve had no problems whatsoever. There have been a few people who have been drunk who we’ve given advice to, but on the whole the festival has gone very well.

“There have been a few comments that there are too many police about but it’s a matter of public safety.”

During the festivities, fundraiser Daniel Cavender cycled 40 miles on a static mountain bike, outside The Bear Hotel in High Street, as part of his training for a charity challenge to ride from the Vatican in Rome to Great Western in aid of the hospital.

Mr Cavender, 38, said: “The support I’ve had today has been truly excellent, everybody has been really friendly and they have been very generous with their donations.” The festival continues today.