ROCK legend Eric Burdon will headline the 25th anniversary Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Festival organisers have pulled off a major coup by securing the services of the Animals’ former frontman, who will make Colne his only UK date in 2014.

A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Burdon was voted the 57th greatest vocalist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine and with the Animals, songs such as Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood and House of the Rising Sun pushed the band to the forefront of the British invasion of the States in the early Sixties.

Burdon is just one of a series of major stars who look like making the 25th anniversary festival one to remember.

Also confirmed on the line-up are guitar virtuosos Eric Sardinas and Lucky Peterson, Canada’s Power Blues Band and American keyboard maestro Bob Malone, best known for his work with John Fogerty.

Two artists who played the first festival in 1990 have been asked to return for this special anniversary year — Mike Sanchez and Otis Grand.

Also lined up at the Muni are The Band of Friends, a tribute to the late Rory Gallagher featuring his former bandmates Gerry McAvoy and Ted McKenna with Marcel Scherpenzeel, the Yardbirds, Connie Lush, Grainne Duffy and the Groundhogs.

The final night of the festival will see former Amen Corner vocalist and guitar supremo Andy Fairweather Low followed by the hard driving R&B of Dr Feelgood.

A Saturday night headliner has yet to be announced and full line-ups for the British stage, acoustic stage and Roadhouse venues will be revealed later.

Festival organiser Alison Goode said: “This year we are celebrating our 25th anniversary, which we are thrilled about and consider it a fantastic achievement to still be going so strong after all these years. Every year we try to cater for all musical tastes and again, we are really excited by the line-up we have already secured. We look forward to welcoming back loyal supporters who return year after year to enjoy four whole days of live music, as well as those visiting for the first time.

“The terrific line-up, all the extras and the fantastic buzz and atmosphere this festival is known for, should all add up to an anniversary to remember!”

This year’s event will run from Friday, August 22 to Monday, August 25. The Muni will be the venue for the international stage. There will also be a British stage at Pendle Lesiure Centre and an acoustic stage at the Lesser Muni plus a series of official Roadhouse venues around the town centre.

There will be some fresh, new, young talent performing throughout the festival as part of the Jessica Foxley Unsigned initiative and there will be an outdoor stage in the town centre For the second year running, the festival will also host the British Blues Awards.

Special early bird full festival tickets are now on sale for £105 if booked before 5pm on Friday, June 20. After that full festival tickets will be £127. Tickets for Friday are £27.50, Saturday and Sunday £38 and Monday £33.50.

For details visit www.bluesfestival.co.uk or call the festival box office on 01282 661234.

International stage
(acts confirmed so far)

Friday, August 22
Eric Sardinas
Band of Friends
The Yardbirds

Saturday, August 23
Eric Burdon
Connie Lush and Blues Shouter
Lucky Peterson
The Groundhogs

Sunday, August 24
Powder Blues Band
Mike Sanchez
Snake Davis Band

Monday, August 25
Dr Feelgood
Andy Fairweather Low
Grainne Duffy
Bob Malone Band
Otis Grand All Stars