VERY rarely do you come away from a gig knowing that you’ve just witnessed something special.

Saturday night at Burnley Mechanics was one of those occasions.

The Hoax, reformed and re-energised after splitting up in 1999, were the headline act at a truncated version of the Burnley Rock and Blues Festival. Quite simply, they were astonishing.

Although very much steeped in the blues, the five-piece just blew away the sadly small audience with a set of such power, poise and panache it literally had seasoned gig goers shaking their heads in wonder.

If there is any justice in this world, The Hoax would be headlining the main stages of some of the biggest festivals. They are just that good.

Fabulous musicianship combined with great stagecraft made Saturday night something special.

The two support acts also added to the occasion making the £15 ticket price appear a real bargain.

Ribble Valley outfit Good Foxy, winners of the Lancashire Telegraph-backed Reidy’s Talent Contest demonstrated just why they came out top of the pile with an energetic and compelling set.

Still in their teens, this quartet definitely have something about them and are ones to watch.

Manchester’s Minor Blues were also very tight and turned in a slick performance.

But it was the Hoax who stole the show.