Tickets on sale soon for next Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne

Organisers are joping that tickets being put on sale will help to symbolise the positivity surrounding the prestigious event, which had to be cancelled this year due to the coronavirus.

Coun. Mary Thomas, chairman of Colne Town Council, which has organised and managed the festival since 2017, said: "The event, in many ways, is the jewel in the crown of not only Colne's event calendar, but also of the UK Blues Festival calendar.

"The festival attracts thousands of people to Colne each August, bringing the streets and venues alive with music and good times. Colne Town Council was heartbroken to cancel the 2020 festival but it was the sensible and responsible decision to make.

"Putting the tickets on sale next month will hopefully add to the list of things which people can look forward to now that COVID-19 restrictions are beginning to lift."

The majority of the artists and bands who were booked to play the 2020 festival including headliners - Band Of Friends, Davy Knowles, Kyla Brox, Layla Zoe, Mike Farris & His Band, Xander & The Peace Pirates - will play the 2021 event. As things currently stand, all traders and venues will also carry their contracts over until next year.

The financial investment for an event of this size is considerable. Much of the event remains free to enjoy - with over 15 stages of free music, plus street entertainment - and more. With this in mind, the organisers have created a donation section on the festival website.

Naomi Crewe, town clerk, said: "We love that much of the Blues Festival remains free. The ticketed venues tend to 'look after themselves' in terms of finances, so we are looking at a number of ways to help fund the free parts of the festival, without losing any of the atmosphere and creativity which is produced over the weekend of the event.

"With around 20,000 visitors attending the event, a simple donation of £2 would make a huge difference. We understand these are challenging times for many, so of course there is no obligation."