Nobody quite knew what to expect from the first BlueTone Festival.

The vision was ambitious: four days of jazz, blues, funk and soul in the heart of Taunton, bringing internationally renowned artists together with local talent in the surroundings of Vivary Park.

Over four days at the end of May, that vision became a reality.

From Ruby Turner’s opening-night performance through to Courtney Pine closing the festival on Sunday evening, BlueTone welcomed audiences from across Somerset and beyond to enjoy world-class live music in one of the county’s most beautiful settings. Alongside the headline artists, dozens of performers took to the festival’s stages, creating a programme that celebrated both established names and emerging talent.

What followed was an outpouring of enthusiasm from audiences throughout the weekend.

Ruby Turner’s appearance on the opening night drew some of the strongest reactions of the festival. Attendees described her performance as “magnificent”, “outstanding”, “absolutely amazing” and even “almost life-changing”. Songs such as I’d Rather Go Blind left a lasting impression, with many commenting on both the power of her voice and the warmth she brought to the stage.

Friday saw The Brand New Heavies bring their trademark blend of funk and soul to Taunton. Fans who had followed the band for decades described them as being “as good as they were back in the day”, while others simply called the show “a must see”.

Saturday belonged to Curtis Stigers and his band, whose performance was repeatedly described as “fabulous”, “stellar”, “phenomenal” and “brilliant”. Festivalgoers praised not only the music but the humour, personality and connection he brought to the stage, helping create one of the standout moments of the weekend.

Yet perhaps the most telling comments were those that spoke about the festival itself.

Across social media, attendees described BlueTone as “a very special event”, “four days of bliss”, “fantastic music and atmosphere” and simply “the best time”. Others praised the organisation, the quality of the sound and production, and the experience of spending long summer days and evenings in Vivary Park surrounded by great music, food, friends and family.

A recurring theme throughout the weekend was the sense that people had discovered something they wanted to be part of. Many comments looked forward to the next day of the festival before the current one had even finished, while others were already hoping to see artists return and asking when BlueTone would be back.

For a first-year festival, those reactions matter.

BlueTone was created with the ambition of bringing outstanding jazz, blues, funk and soul to Somerset while creating a welcoming space where people could come together through live music. The inaugural festival demonstrated what can happen when great artists, dedicated volunteers, local businesses and enthusiastic audiences come together around a shared love of music.

The first BlueTone Festival lasted just four days.

The memories – and the foundations it has created – look set to last much longer.