ONE of the brightest new names on the blues scene is to play the 25th anniversary Burnley Rock and Blues Festival in May.

David Migden and the Dirty Words will play Burnley Mechanics on Saturday, May 4.

They are replacing American outfit the Gregg Wright Band who have been forced to cancel their UK tour due to a family illness.

This year’s anniversary festival promises to be a three-day party starting with the Mike Sanchez big band on Friday, May 3 – Mike played the first festival back in 1988.

Headliners on the Saturday are New Jersey’s finest, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes – the band’s only confirmed UK date in 2013.

The festival rounds off in style on Sunday with Wishbone Ash, the Zombies and the Blues Band’s Paul Jones and Dave Kelly plus local rising star Lucy Zirins.

For full festival and day tickets, contact the Mechanics’ box office on 01282 664400.