THE sound of the deep south rolled into Burnley yesterday as the 13th Burnley National Blues Festival got under way.

Headlining on the main stage at the Burnley Mechanics last night was Kenny Blues Boss Wayne plus band, providing early visitors to the popular festival with a taste of what is to come.

Some 30,000 people are expected to attend the festival over its longer four day period this year.

The highlight of tonight's events comes at 11pm when Percy Strother takes to the stage at 11pm inside the Mechanics with his band.

Described as big man, big voice, Strother has been entertaining since he first performed in front of the cotton pickers of Mississippi in the 1950s. Tonight, he appears in one of Lancashire's famous cotton towns to climax a gig which is set to be a sell out.

On Sunday, the main stage plays host to the son of the famous Mickinlay Morganfield, aka Muddy Waters.

Big Bill Morganfield headlines in the Mechanics to round off a day which is full of action from 2pm.

But for those people who prefer to go off the beaten track, several other venues are offering blues events -- not least of all a barge pulling out of the Weaver's Triangle at lunchtime today and tomorrow. Pubs throughout the town centre are hosting their own mini events which are well worth checking out.

The event comes to an end on Monday night.