Tony Slinger     Jim Tigwell      Lorraine Carpenter    John Ratcliffe 

After much deliberation the four judges, Lorraine Carpenter, Jim Tigwell, Tony Slinger and John Ratcliff, awarded first prize to the seasoned blues performer Chris Scott who is well known on the Bristol circuit.  In return for his two love songs - one a slow confession of being made breathless, the other a rhythmic expression of happiness and freedom - he received £100 cash, a slot at Priddy Folk Festival and an afternoon's recording at Sprint Music Studios, near Somerton. 

Second prize went to the effervescent Nicola Clarke who made the audience's ears prick up with her confessional, flirtatious style and third prize was awarded to Bristol's own Phil King.

It was held in the Swan's recently refurbished garden room with adjoining walled garden and, thanks to sound engineer Phil Dunster, the sound quality rated an enthusiastic round of applause from the audience.

 The smooth running of the event was down to Cathy Judge and Johnny Francis who, under the name of Spotlight Acoustic, organised the event as part of Wells Mayfest.

"Tinderbox" performing in The Garden Room

Everyone enjoying the break in The Walled Garden

 Summing up afterwards, Cathy Judge said "The competition was so successful and well received - with such an idyllic setting - that we are considering repeating the event next year. We couldn't have done it without our sponsors in Wells, The Kings Head and The Wells Music Shop."