CLITHEROE’S Grand Theatre has announced its summer season with Scots’ rockers Big Country and singer songwriter Thea Gilmore topping the bill.

Big Country produced classic hits Fields and Fire and Harvest Home, and the Dunfermline band, led by founding member Bruce Watson, make their first appearance at the York Street venue on May 16.

There’s a chance to doff your flat cap to professional Lancastrians The Lancashire Hotpots, who bring their Chippy Tea tour to the theatre for their fourth visit a few days earlier.

With the Tour de France cycle race passing through the edge of the county in July, the Grand is staging a Tour De France special on May 18, hosted by Channel 4 presenter Ned Boulting.

Boulting, one of the best-known and respected commentators in the business, will be talking about the history of the world’s most famous race, and the Lance Armstrong doping scandal.

There will also be a special question and answer session with Boulting following the talk. This is a rare opportunity to get the inside track on the race and a must for all cycling fans.

Corey Harris is a well-known American blues and reggae musician, and plays them as authentically and powerful as anyone on the scene today.

He is much in demand and makes his first visit to the Grand on May 17 as part of Harris’ mini Uk tour. The Rutles were born in the minds of Neil Innes of the Bonzo Dog Band, and Eric Idle of Monty Python fame.

The duo created the Rutles as a spoof on The Beatles, and two of the original members, Innes (aka Ron Nasty) and drummer Ron Halsey will roll back the years at the Grand on May 28.

Thea Gilmore released her first album, Burning Dorothy, when she was just 16 and has gone to achieve worldwide recognition and she performs at the theatre on the last day of May.

The Blues Band are also lined up for their first appearance in the Ribble Valley on June 6, while Blackburn favourites Wagon Wheels return to the venue for another show on June 21.

There’s family theatre in July when the Grand stages Oliver, The Musical, from 12-13 July.

Further info contact 01200 421599 or www.thegrandvenue. co.uk