PERFORMANCES from this year’s Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 for the first time ever.

A crew from the national station will be recording in Colne during the 22nd annual event, from Friday August 26 to Monday 29.

Highlights from the festival will then be aired on former Manfred Mann frontman Paul Jones’s iconic show in the following weeks.

Festival organiser Alison Goode said: “This is fantastic news – and a first for the festival.

“Paul, who has his own blues band, is a huge blues fan and a very talented musician in his own right.

“He has always supported this festival, he played on the International Stage two years ago with his blues band, and this will be another way of promoting it for us.”

More than 600 acts from all over the world will perform at eight venues in Colne over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Well-known names on the Muni’s International Stage include Jack Bruce, Robin Trower and the Gary Fletcher Band, featuring Pick Withers, formerly of Dire Straits.

From the USA there will be James Hunter, Grammy-winner Mavis Staples, Sherman Robertson, gospel singer Sharrie Williams and Muddy Waters’s eldest son Mud Morganfield.

Highlights on the British Stage include Joni Fuller, the Alex McKown Band and Trevor Burton Blues Band.

Paul, who is a renowned harmonica player, said: "We're very excited to be recording artistes on the International Stage at the 22nd Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne.

“There's a great line-up this year and we'll feature highlights from the weekend in two special editions of my programme on September 5 and 12 on BBC Radio 2."

Barnfield Construction sponsors the official roadhouses, including Colne and Nelson Rugby Club, Admiral Lord Rodney, Crown Hotel, Dressers and Royal British Legion.