THIS year the Great British R&B Festival is celebrating its 22nd anniversary.

While other festivals have fallen by the wayside or struggled to find sponsors, Colne’s annual event continues to attract big names and large crowds.

As well as blues stars who have already found fame, the four-day festival also showcases some of the best up-and-coming talent.

And thanks to the Jessica Foxley Stage, young, local R&B performers are also given a rare opportunity to perform in front of hundreds of dedicated blues fans.

Over the weekend, thousands of people from across their country have had a really good time and enjoyed the hospitality of people in the town.

And of course all these visitors give a much needed boost to local businesses, especially pubs and eateries.

For many it will also be their first introduction to East Lancashire and everything we have to offer - and hopefully the start of many trips to our beautiful area.

And while today may well be the end of this year’s festival, you can bet there are many blues fans out there who can’t wait for 2012’s to get underway.