Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival starts in Colne

After months of preparation, this year’s Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival has finally arrived!

The directional signs are up, the venues have been decorated and the acts have been confirmed for what will be a weekend to remember!

As the musicians carry out their last minute sound checks, scores of fans have started to descend on the town, ready to listen to some unforgettable Blues tunes.

With some top-class, quality headline acts, some new, young talent and some festival favourites, the 23rd Great British R&B Festival is ready and raring to go!

From authentic electric blues, through to rock, jazz and acoustic sets, there really is something for every one of the hundreds of visitors expected this August Bank Holiday weekend.

Big Boy Bloater kicks-off the proceedings on the International Stage at 7-30pm tonight, with another 600 musicians following suit at the nine official venues over the four day festival.

Some of the names to look out for include Booker T. Jones, Joan Armatrading, Mungo Jerry, The Blues Band, Courtney Pine, Ben Waters and Steve ‘Big Man’ Clayton, who will be performing on the International Stage.

In fact, there’s something for all Blues music fans at all of the official venues – the British Stage at Pendle Leisure Centre, the Acoustic Stage at the Lesser Muni and the roadhouses - Colne and Nelson Rugby Club, The Admiral Lord Rodney, The Crown Hotel, The Dressers, Colne Legion – and new for 2012, The Tacklers.

Highlights on the British Stage will include festival favourites Kyla Brox and Chantel McGregor performing alongside the likes of Rhythm Zoo, the Dana Dixon Band, Ben Poole, The Treatment and The Mighty Revelators.

And the Acoustic Stage ones to watch include absolute must-see The Cats, British Blues Awards nominee Babajack, always requested back Tom Doughty and fantastic female vocalist Megan Blyth all on stage at The Lesser Muni.

And, of course, the festival isn’t just for music-lovers, it’s for the whole family!

There will be a funfair at the rear of Pendle Leisure Centre, from noon until 9pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday and there will be buskers providing their own kind of Blues music at various locations along Albert Road, throughout the three days.

Festival organiser, Alison Goode, said: “We are really looking forward to the 23rd festival, which hopefully will be as exceptional as previous years.

“If you have not visited before, then make sure you do. It truly is a unique experience and there are not many people who can say they have the Best British Blues Festival right on their doorstep!

“We really do have some great line-ups across all of the stages, providing something for all musical tastes.

“I hope to see you ther”

For a detailed line-up of all the acts and times they will be performing, visit www.bluesfestival.co.uk or call the Box Office on 661234.