HUNDREDS of shoppers came to a standstill as the sounds of drums filled Victoria Square.

The 18-strong Drum Machine, all dressed in black, drew large crowds on Saturday as they played traditional samba reggae drums of various sizes.

They played dance music inspired by jazz, techno, reggae, hip hop, drum ‘n’ bass and other styles of music.

Shoppers stood in the rain to dance and clap along to the three performances, with many people taking photographs and videoing the performance.

Aid Todd, a member of the Hebden Bridge-based group, said: “It’s the third time we’ve been in Bolton in the last four weeks and people receive it really well.

“It goes down brilliantly, it’s a spectacle.

“It’s good when crowds gather and we can get more interaction with them.”

The band was asked to play in the town centre by Bolton Council as one of a series of attractions to entertain shoppers.

Bob Wooding, a balloon artist, and Donna Myers, a face painter, kept children busy in the Market Place shopping centre.

The entertainment will continue in the town centre today (MON), with Rapide Brothers performing circus skills, stilt walking and unicycling; a magic show and balloons by Ricardo; and giant games such as Twister and Connect Four.