MUSICIANS playing at this years Darwen Music Live have welcomed the ban on people taking alcohol to the event.

The performers were at Darwen Library Theatre yesterday (Weds) to promote the event's official programme, which goes on sale on May 6.

Gary Ward and Claude Nteye from Reggae band Jah Mission Vibes, Darwen solo artist Paul Stuart Davies and members of bands No Boundaries and local bands Funnel and Jah Mission Vibes met with organisers at the theatre.

They all spoke in favour of the council's desision to stop people bringing their own alcohol to the event.

On May 25 and May 26, when the music festival takes place, no alcohol, glass bottles or containers will be allowed into all three fenced-off areas in Darwen Market Square, Darwen Library Theatre and Knott Street Community Centre. Instead alcohol will be available from a cordened-off beer tent.

Bob Hepburn, the drummer from Manchester indie band No Boundaries, said: "Having been to other festivals where the same alcohol rules apply, I've found that people tend to come out and enjoy the music more.

"They have a good time for the sake of the music, not alcohol."

Gary Ward from Jah Mission Vibes said: "I'm in favour of the alcohol ban because hopefully it will put the emphasis more on the music like it was in the first few years of the festival.

"In recent years there has been a focus on drinking."

Paul Hartley from four-piece punky pop group Funnel, said: "It's a shame when a minority make it worse for everyone."

Council bosses said they had taken the decision for health safety reasons and to create a safer environment in a bid to encourage families back to the festival.

The festival, now in its ninth year, will also feature Peter Tork of The Monkees, with an all-American band playing many of the songs made famous on the 1960s television series.

Also scheduled to perform are The Bluetones and a variety of local musicians performing, pop, punk, indie, soul and reggae music.

Steve Kilvert, bass player in No Boundaries said: "It will be a good experience working with bands like the Bluetones.

"Darwen is a small town and for them to put on a festival of this quality is great. I think that it has become established now and can attract bigger names."

Paul Hartley added: "There's definately a buzz aross Darwen and East Lancashire's music scene now.

"There seems to be more independent artists and organisations, and to have something like this is a great opportunity for everyone."