Singing the blues

Festival organiser Alison Goode said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been nominated for an award and what makes it more special is the fact that we have been nominated by someone who enjoys the festival.

“We had no idea we had been nominated until we were contacted by the organisers, which suggests it is a fan of the festival that put our name forward.

“The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival is now in its 22nd year and it is nice to finally be recognised. We hope all those people who enjoy the festival year after year will take the time to vote for us.”

The winners will be announced during an awards ceremony at Newark Castle during Newark Blues Festival in September.

Colne’s festival is up against five other festivals in the British Blues Festival category – Blues On The Farm, Carlisle Blues Festival, Maryport Blues Festival, Newark Blues Festival and Swanage Blues Festival.

The awards, which were launched last year, are nominated and voted for by members of the public and Blues music fans.

Last year, there were over 1,600 nominations for the various categories and more than 7,000 people voted.

Alison added: “We would like everyone to get behind us and vote for the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival. Simply go to www.britishbluesawards.com and let’s see this fantastic event get the recognition it deserves!”

With more than 600 artistes performing at eight official venues over four days, this annual event is believed to be the biggest of its kind in this country and the second biggest in Europe.

Over the last two decades, the festival has welcomed the crème-de-la-crème of Blues talent and the calibre continues for 2011, with such popular and well-known names as Jack Bruce, Steve Cropper and Robin Trower lined up to play this year.