Street shows plan for Colne blues festival (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Street shows plan for Colne blues festival

4:00pm Friday 22nd March 2013 in News By Peter Magill, Chief reporter

PLANS are being drawn up to expand the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne to benefit more town businesses.

Coun Paul White, economic development boss at Pendle Council, with Pendle Leisure Trust, has put together proposals for a new ‘fringe’ event for the August bank holiday gathering.

Pubs and shopkeepers from Church Street onwards had become concerned the festival was too focused on Colne Muni and Pendle Leisure Centre, along Albert Road.

And with the £11,200 proposals to establish a daytime stage, busking spots and street entertainers in Market Street, it is hoped the balance can be redressed. 0Coun White said: “I’ve been a blues regular for a few years, and I’ve seen the change.

“This festival is incredibly important for the economy of Colne, with some businesses relying on it to keep them going the rest of the year.

“We’ve put together something I hope will boost the festival and bring more people into the town.”

The proposals will be presented to Colne and District Committee next Wednesday, for grant approval.

Part of the budget will be spent on eight street performers over two days.

The other major outlay will be for the bands, stage, lighting, public address system and publicity.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson has supported the fringe idea, which would also feature an outdoor market.