A MAJOR world music and folk roots festival is to be staged in Darwen in September.

The three-day Roots 666 event will be staged at Darwen Library Theatre from Friday, September 28 to Sunday, September 30, prompting organisers, Darwen Music Projects, to bill it "the UK's most intimate micro festival".

A variety of workshops and acoustic performances will also be held in the Knott Street Community Centre.

Already confirmed in the line-up are Chumbawamba Acoustic (pictured), Hotel Brown - the new band featuring acoustic guitar duo Dave and Keith Angel - former Darwen Live favourite Modeste, who will be coming over from Madagascar, and leading Gambian instrumentalist Bajaly Suso.

Gary Ward, from Darwen Music Projects, said: "This will be the first independent festival that we have put on and we have combined all the music that has been so well received at previous Darwen Live events which we organised.

"It will be a family festival in the intimate surroundings of the Library Theatre which will make it a unique event."

He added that a number of grant applications have been submitted and depending on the outcome some major names could be added to the festival line-up.

"We have got money available and have applied for more so we are hopeful that we can announce some big names at a later date," said Gary.

There will be performances at the Library Theatre on the Friday night and then both during the day and in the evening over the Saturday and Sunday.

"We will we releasing day tickets later," said Gary, "but on Monday full festival tickets will go on sale."

Among other acts confirmed for the festival are leading folk artist Jon Brindley; up-and-coming outfit Lancashire Hot Pot, who recently featured on Radio One, and Wierdstring from Cumbria, whose unusual arrangements of well-known songs have earnedthem comparisons with Hayseed Dixie.

Songwriting and practical workshops are planned and both beer and food will be available throughout the event.

Steve Rigby, Blackburn with Darwen Council's director of culture, leisure and sport, said: "Roots 666 will be a great addition to the range of entertainment available in Darwen and across East Lancashire.

"Events like this also attract people to the area, and to find out what else we have to offer.

"We wish the organisers every success."

Roots 666 festival takes place from September 28 to 30. Tickets are £38 and on sale now from the box office at Darwen Library Theatre on 01254 706006 or King George's Hall box office on 01254 582582.