Burnley to be transformed into ‘Little America’ for 2012 Blues Festival

A new lease of life is being breathed into the once iconic event after Burnley Council and Doc Redeye Events joined forces, promising to bring some of the world’s greatest artists to town.

The Burnley International Rock and Blues Festival will return to its regular three-day status, after being reduced in recent years, and will now be held from Friday, May 4th to Sunday, May 6th.

Sponsored by the Oscar, Emmy and Grammy award-winning company AMS Neve, the festival will also see Burnley transformed into “Little America” for the weekend with the town centre, cafes and bars adopting American themes.

The fringe events, sponsored by Moorhouse’s Brewery, will also all have their own identities. The Inn on the Wharf (The Chicago Stage), the Talbot (The Austin Stage), the Coach and Horses (The New Orleans Stage) and the Bridge (The Memphis Stage) are the first to be announced with more to follow.

Coun. Jeff Sumner, Executive member for leisure and culture, said: “It’s great that the blues festival is back to rocking the town over three days and there’s going to be a great party atmosphere over the whole weekend. You won’t have to be a blues fan to love every minute of what promises to be a brilliant festival.”

Festival organisers are promising one of America’s biggest blues names as a first night headliner but also want to bring in young bands on the circuit, with Albany Down and Virgil and the Accelerators already on the line-up.

A dedicated website www.burnleyrockandblues.com will be launched over the next few weeks and any companies, clubs or bars wishing to get involved can contact Steve Reid at [email protected].

Any general enquiries can be made by ringing Burnley Mechanics on 01282 664400.