THE full line-up for the Little Theatre stage at this year’s Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne has been revealed.

This year the festival celebrates its 30th anniversary and will bring thousands of music lovers to East Lancashire over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Already the line-up for the main stage at the Muni and at Pendle Hippodrome have been announced featuring the likes of Mike Sanchez, Canadian Anthony Gomes, American Sari Schorr and Paul Lamb and the King Snakes.

Now more artists have been revealed for the intimate Little Theatre.

This year’s line-up has been curated by Jack J Hutchinson, one of the rising stars of the British blues scene. He follows award-winning Burnley singer songwriter Lucy Zirins who curated the stage last year.

Jack said: “It is a real honour to curate the Little Theatre stage at the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival. I grew up just down the road in Burnley, and it always feels like coming home when I play or simply attend the festival.

“When Lucy Zirins asked me to take over the role of curator from her for the 2019 event, I had a pretty clear idea of the type of acts I wanted to book early on. Although I am a massive fan of traditional blues, I was keen that the stage not only represents the genre in the 21st century, but also how artists are taking it forward and connecting with a new generation.

“There are a number of acts on the bill who, whilst tipping their hats to the past, offer something refreshing and contemporary.”

The Saturday line-up will feature Katie Bradley and Richard Lane, Jade Like The Stone, The Head Hunters Blues Band, Louisiana, Tom Crofts and Stone Thieves.

On Sunday, the Little Theatre will host Dave Ferra, Betty and the Bootleggers, O W Houlston, Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm, Barry Jackson and Benjamin Kelly.

“What they all share is a commitment to new, original material. I am first and foremost a songwriter, and this is the type of artist that I want my stage to showcase,” said Jack.

The 75-seat Little Theatre stage proved a major hit at last year’s event.

Early bird tickets for the festival are currently available until the end of February. For full details, visit www.bluesfestival.co.uk