postcard as cuisine, classy acts and the strident beats of drums and saxophones took centre stage at Jazzscape 1997.

And while music and musicians were the main focus of the two day event at Dockyard, a festive mood was clearly evident away from the impressive stage and backdrop.

As local and foreign artists worked their magic, the Dockyard acted like a magnet -- attracting both locals and visitors.

A walk through the food court uncovered the competing lures of octopus stew and jerk chicken, pasta, pizza and sausage, as chefs cooking many different cuisines plied their wares within feet of each other.

Amid the aroma of garlic and curry, revellers sat on chairs, lay on the grass or lounged on their own furniture as they took in the music and relaxed.

Others preferred to move around through the labyrinth of steel barriers and security guards that had been posted at various points along the way.

Parents held their children in arms or carried them on their backs or in strollers as they walked around.

The main stage, the centre of activity, was particularly impressive, measuring 120 feet by 60 feet.

It had been constructed in the water, with the Marine and Ports slipway being used as the auditorium area, with seating for approximately 2,000 people.

For Shereen Lincoln, 23, who hails from Kennington, in South London, her tickets and stay at the Harmony Club were provided free of charge after she answered a question about Bermuda on a radio station.

"This was my prize from Jazz FM in London,'' she explained. "They were featuring Bermuda for about two to three weeks advertising the competition.

"I kept listening and got a flavour for it and then I won a free ticket to Bermuda for one week and tickets to Jazzscape.

"It's been an exciting, vibrant, and well organised show,'' she said. "I feel very safe here which an important aspect at a festival like this. People are really helpful and the food was excellent. We went for the rice and peas and the fish.'' Her travelling companion, Jane Irving, 47, an aromatherapist from Northern Ireland, said she was more than willing to come to Bermuda and Jazzscape after her friend won the free tickets.

"I am really enjoying the jazz very much,'' she said. "It is really lovely to be in Bermuda.

"If I had enough money I would come back again. I don't suppose that will happen but I will think positively because I would like to come back. It is a beautiful place.'' Reviews: Pages 18 and 20