BOOKER T, Joan Armatrading and Mungo Jerry are just some of the big names coming to the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne over the August bank holiday weekend.

For the first time, the festival will feature a special jazz afternoon with internationally-renowned saxophonist Courtney Pine headlining.

More than 600 artists will perform at nine official venues over four days as the festival celebrates its 23rd year.

The festival – named Best British Blues Festival at last year’s British Blues Award – will also see Paul Jones and the Blues Band, Dr Feelgood, Linda Gail Lewis – sister of Jerry Lee Lewis – and former Mott the Hoople and Bad Company guitarist Mick Ralphs playing the international stage at the Muni.

Festival organiser, Alison Goode, said: “We are hoping our award-winning status will bring even more people to Colne.

We were absolutely delighted to be crowned Best British Blues Festival last year, putting both Colne and the festival well and truly on the map.

“This year we have added an extra official roadhouse to the list of venues and are pleased to welcome on board Colne Tacklers Club.

“We are also very excited about the introduction of a jazz afternoon, to add another aspect and bring new people to the festival.”

The Sunday afternoon jazz session will also see a special tribute to Billie Holliday – Lady Sings the Blues.

The Jessica Foxley Stage, named after a Pendle Leisure employee who was killed in a car crash, returns again, giving young, local musicians a rare opportunity to perform in front of the hundreds of fans on the British Stage through the four-day event.

A funfair will be held at Pendle Leisure Centre and buskers will be performing along Albert Road to add to the festival experience.

Sponsoring the festival again this year will be Barnfield Construction, East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership, John Smith’s and Radio Lancashire.

Special early bird tickets for the full festival are on sale priced £100.

Call the Muni box office on 01282 661234 or visit www.blues festival.co.uk.

INTERNATIONAL STAGE

Friday, August 24
Big Boy Bloater
Linda Gail Lewis
Dr Feelgood
Saturday, August 25
Joan Armatrading
Ben Waters
Sunday, August 26
Booker T Jones
Courtney Pine
King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys
Lady Sings the Blues
The Stumble
The Green Brothers
Monday, August 27
The Blues Band
Mick Ralph’s Blues Band
Mungo Jerry
Zoot Money and Slack Alice
Steve ‘Big Man’ Clayton
Connie Lush & Blues Shouter
More artists to be announced