4:58pm Thursday 9th July 2009
By Wes Wright
THOUSANDS of people will descend on the sleepy Lancashire village of Colne — and it’s all thanks to the power of the blues.
Yes folks, the Great British R&B Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with a host of international, British and local artistes.
With a line-up of more than 800 artistes, eight official venues and an expected 30,000 visitors over the August Bank Holiday weekend — it must be Lancashire’s biggest music event.
To mark the occasion, the 2009 line-up boasts some of the best blues artists still around today — including some who actually performed at the very first festival.
Most of the names will be familiar to the faithful following — Stan Webb’s Chicken Shack, King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys and Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes.
Festival organisers are also looking forward to seeing new, and up and coming blues talent on the British Stage.
These young and talented artistes, including the Mitch Laddie Trio, Chantelle McGregor, the Sean Webster Band and Tommy Allen’s Traffiker, are not to be missed.
This year there is also The Cream Instrumental Cable Stage, bringing some of the best quality blues acts, with the ultimate in hi-fi quality sound.
Sheffield’s Robin Hoare Band, Manchester’s own Charlie White Project and the outrageous Billy Martin Jnr, will each take centre stage to perform their own unique sets.
The blues festival isn’t just for music lovers, it’s for the whole family as younger visitors can enjoy a funfair at Colne Leisure Centre as well as street performers and buskers.
Like last year there will be bands playing on the street as well as in several Colne pubs who are hosting local blues bands.
Street stalls will sell a variety of goods and a wide range of food outlets will also be open for those who want to grab a bite to eat.
Festival organiser, Alison Goode, of Pendle Leisure Trust, said: “There are so many exciting aspects to this year’s 20th anniversary festival.
“There’s so many headline artistes returning to centre stage; a vibrant line-up of new talent and the addition of family street entertainment throughout the weekend to bring a true sense of community to the festival.
“We are sure this will be one of the best yet and I can’t wait for the curtain to lift on Friday, August 28.”
l Visit www.bluesfestival.co.uk for more information on what’s happening at the four day event, for ticket prices and for a full list of who’s appearing.
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