THEY came jumping and jiving, ready for a wailin’ good time.

Music enthusiasts and locals alike converged at the weekend for this year’s Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival, which by all accounts has been another raging success.

More than 25,000 people are expected to have visited the rural city by the time the festival finishes today, following three full days of the best the music genres have to offer — and some of the nicest weather of the season so far.

First-timer Catherine Lazer, of Melbourne, had one word to describe it as she soaked up the atmosphere at the Reid Street Community Stage on Saturday afternoon: “Wonderful.”

“I’ve been to many jazz festivals but never Wangaratta ... and I’m just loving it,” she said.

She had a very good reason to make this year’s festival her first — her son was performing as part of jazz band The Sugarfoot Ramblers yesterday afternoon — but there was the bonus of seeing blues aficionado Russell Morris play on Friday night.

“He was just brilliant,” she siad.

Friend Rosemary Jack, of Yarrawonga, agreed Morris was one of the highlights so far — as was, presumably, being able to share in grandson Henry Tufvesson’s first jazz festival.

At seven months, Henry might have been one of the youngest party-goers, though mum Kathy, of Albury, isn’t convinced he’s a jazz fan yet.

“He’s slept through most of it so far,” she confessed.

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Keeping the masses happy was a myriad of food and wine options, many from local producers, including Rutherglen Premium Lamb whose marinated lamb backstrap burgers proved popular.

“I reckon I’ll do anywhere between 1200 to 1600 of these,” said Sam Anderson from behind the barbie.

“It’s been fantastic so far, the crowds have picked up all day, and everyone’s in good spirits.”

With so many people passing through the festival, volunteers play an integral role and among them was Murray Valley MP Tim McCurdy.

Spotted clearing rubbish, Mr McCurdy said he’d volunteered for many years now.

“Everyone’s happy, they’re all having a great time,” he said.

“Though you walk around seeing all these cold beers and think ‘gee that’ll be nice at the end of the day’.

“Can’t stop and chat too much though — no picking up votes today or they’ll dock my pay,” he quipped.