As the dust settles and feedback flies in on Barnaby 2011 the unanimous verdict is a huge thumbs up. Visitors and residents agree it was a fantastic weekend for Macclesfield while traders reported record sales.

Seven sell-out events – Acoustic Sanctuary, KEMS, Comedy Club, Piaf, Piano Recital, Historical Walks and Poetry Cabaret – boosted footfall.

More than 2,500 tickets were sold – up from 1,400 last year – and there were more than 870 visitors to an art exhibition at St Michael’s.

Organiser Jane Munro, also behind the Treacle Market, said: "The feedback so far has been tremendous.

"The town was still buzzing on Sunday at Treacle Market, with everyone saying how much they’d enjoyed the weekend and seeing the town in a new light."

Fellow organisers Lynne Jones and Fiona Bailey are still number crunching to work out footfall, but judging by visitors to the Express office exhibition, final numbers will be high.

Lynne added: "We know from talking to people that Barnaby has benefited independent cafes and restaurants, and we hope the same can be said for other businesses. Barnaby brought new visitors into town. Hopefully they’ll want to come back for more.

Julia Marshall, owner of Amuse Cafe on Chestergate, said: "Our evening events were so successful we’re hoping to host blues nights once a month from now on, inspired by Barnaby."

Bronwyn Riley, who runs Treacle Tap on Sunderland Street, added: "Barnaby was phenomenal for business.

"People turned out in their droves and we had a record day's trading at the Treacle Tap, getting through four days supply of food in two." MP David Rutley, who attended with his family, said: "It is a credit to the hard work and dedication of all the Maxonian volunteers who brought the town alive on its 750th anniversary year.

"Barnaby is making a real impact in by helping to strengthen the local economy, revitalising the town centre and building the community spirit – long may it continue."