PADIHAM people were celebrating today after it was revealed the town will join Burnley and help host this year's Blues Festival.

The news came as Burnley prepared for the 15th annual event.

Organisers said the signs are that this year's festival will be one of the biggest and best yet.

And Padiham has pulled off a major coup to play host to a major concert as part of the three day celebrations from Friday, April 18.

On festival Sunday -- April 20 -- British R&B legends Dr Feelgood will be headlining supported by festival favourites Route 66 at the town hall.

Mayor Granville Lord said the inclusion of Padiham for the first time was a major boost to the town.

He added: "It's brilliant news that we are going to be included and everyone involved is really looking forward to it. It is not only a very exciting time for the town but should bring some welcome custom in as well. I can't wait."

This year's festival may only be running over three days, but the quality of acts coming to East Lancashire is higher than ever before.

The organisers have pulled off a major coup in getting the legendary Bobby Parker to headline the Sunday night show, his first ever appearance at a British Blues Festival -- giving British fans a rare opportunity to see a true master at work.

And for the first time, the Burnley Blues Festival has teamed up with the world famous Chicago Blues Festival to bring together a series of legendary names from the Delmark Record label who will all perform on the same stage.

The Chicago Blues Review will be held on Saturday, April 19 and feature Willie Kent, Eddie Clearwater and Bonnie Lee.

The festival gets under way on Friday, April 18 when guitar virtuoso Eric Sardinas headlines.

A full-colour festival programme will be available soon and tickets for the event either for individual days or for the whole festival are available from the box office at Burnley Mechanics, tel: 01282 664400.