HE WENT THAT WAY

Last updated 06:47, Friday, 25 July 2008

BLUES music, by definition, takes a rather sad-eyed look at life.

But news that at least £3.5 million could be generated for the West Cumbrian economy by this weekend’s Maryport Blues Festival is enough to put a spring in our step and, well, a song in our heart.

This fantastic event is a tribute to its organisers, having grown over the past decade to become a major money spinner for the local economy.

It has certainly put Maryport on the map, with visitors flocking from far and wide.

It is great news for hoteliers, guest house owners and pubs who’ve so far suffered summertime blues brought on by the credit crunch and poor weather.

The festival has drawn some big names, but none bigger than founding father of rock ’n’ roll Chuck Berry, tonight’s headlining star.

The Maryport event is just part of West Cumbria’s burgeoning, increasingly important festival scene.

Keswick’s Words by the Water and jazz festivals, the forthcoming Solfest, and last weekend’s Cockermouth rock event all draw big audiences which contribute to local businesses.

It’s the positive rhythm of the blues - and don’t it make ya feel good.

IT EMERGED in the trial of John Darwin that after faking his death he spent time hiding away, living rough, in the Silloth area.

Men on the run, disguised by their beards, has been something of a theme this week.

Can we really be sure that Radovan Karadzic wasn’t holed up in Skinburness for a time?