Six venues across the town hosted drop-in sessions for musicians, whose genres ranged from acoustic to Celtic.

Marianne O’Connor, the event creator, said the weekend proved Chiltern was no longer a “sleepy hollow”.

“The jam sessions at the grassroots level are really popular for musicians, so we thought we would make it about that rather than a festival,” she said.

“There were jam sessions from midday Saturday through to midnight and it kicked off again on Sunday.

“There’s been nothing but positive comments … it’s been so popular we’re going to have to do it again.”

For Rutherglen guitarist Jeremy Wall 17, the youth jam in the old courthouse was a positive experience.

“It was really laidback and there was no pressure at all, you could walk down the street and watch other people,” he said.

“It was good to play and be recognised by the people there, it was definitely a confidence-builder and I hope it goes on.”

Chiltern tourism and development president Kevin Mayhew has helped Ms O’Connor bring the event together over the past four months.

“We identified the absence of a winter event in the region, and we have venues with fireplaces,” he said.

“It just steamrolled from there and it’s exceeded all expectations.”

Mr Mayhew said there was “standing-room only” at The Telegraph Hotel, the Ironbark Tavern, The Vine, Hub 62, the Star Theatre and the Chiltern Goods Shed.

“We have a new entrepreneurial breed of business people in Chiltern and it’s so easy to ride the wave of their enthusiasm,” Mr Mayhew said.

“I’d suggest visitation over the weekend would be up around 5000 people.

“Traders are reporting a spectacular increase for this time of year.”

Clare Reeves, a co-operator of The Vine, said her venue was filled to the brim.

“It was shoulder-to-shoulder and other venues were packed too,” she said.

“It went really well so hopefully it’s something we can keep doing.

“It showcases that Beechworth and Rutherglen aren’t the only places to go in the Indigo Shire, and just how far Chiltern has come.”