MIKE Sanchez will be heading back to where it all began to help the Burnley Blues Festival celebrate its 25th anniversary next year.

The 2013 event will run from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5 and rock and roller Mike will be headlining a special Friday night party event with his full band.

Other bands will be added to the bill specially selected to get Burnley Mechanics jumping.

Mike has been chosen as he was on the bill of the very first festival in 1988.

Since then the event has grown to become one of the most important blues festivals in the country attracting a host of major names and up-and-coming artists and bringing thousands of music fans to East Lancashire.

Some major names are being lined up for the remaining two days of the festival and ticket details will be announced shortly.