THE Blues will be returning to Burnley from tonight as 30,000 people flock to the town.

This year the event has been stretched to cover four days, bringing more artists, more music and more fun for revellers flocking to the town.

Major concerts will take place in the Mechanics theatre as usual but more artists are expected to take to the stage as the sessions stretch out in the afternoon and evening.

Kicking things at tonight's Party Night are The Night Porters, who are described as the cream of British blues bands, mixing guitars, double bass, drums and harmonicas to create a unique sound.

Memo Gonzalez and the Bluescasters, Vancouver-based singer Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, 17-year-old Martin Trimble, the Muddy Waters-inspired Percy Strother Band and the hotly-tipped Nimmo Brothers are all lined up for the big stage over the weekend.

The Acoustic Stage at Oliver's Bar at the Mechanics, has been left in the capable hands of blues expert Perry Foster.

But before Perry takes over tomorrow, the bar will be used as the Festival Stage, with hard-core blues on offer for free this afternoon as a taste for what to expect over the weekend.

Meanwhile, the Guinness Festival Fringe takes place takes place in and around the town centre at the following venues: The Sparrow Hawk Hotel, Church Street; The Talbot Hotel, Church Street; Burnley Miners Social Club, Plumb Street; the Inn on the Wharf, Manchester Road; Coach and Horses Hotel, Church Street; the White Hart, Church Street and also at Oliver's Bar.

For details, call the ticket office on 01282 664400.