With only days to go, excitement and anticipation is running high as Colne gears itself up to the biggest calendar event of the year.After months of preparation, this year’s Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival has finally arrived!
The signs are up, the venues have been decorated and the acts have been confirmed for what promises to be a weekend to remember!And music fans have already started to descend on the town, ready to listen to some unforgettable Blues tunes.
With some top-class, quality headline acts, some new, young talent and some Festival favourites, the 22nd Great British R&B Festival is ready and raring to go! From authentic electric Blues, through to rock, jazz and acoustic sets, there really is something for every one of the people travelling to Colne this August Bank Holiday weekend.
The Hamilton Loomis Band kicks-off the proceedings on the International Stage at 7.30pm on Friday, with another 600 musicians following suit at the eight official venues over the four day festival.
Some of the names to look out for include Jack Bruce, Steve Cropper, Robin Trower, James Hunter, Grammy Award Winner Mavis Staples, Sherman Robertson, Sharrie Williams and Mud Morganfield, who will be performing on the International Stage.
In fact, there’s something for all Blues music fans at all of the eight official venues – the British Stage at Pendle Leisure Centre, the Acoustic Stage at the Lesser Muni and the Official Roadhouses sponsored by Barnfield Construction - Colne & Nelson Rugby Club, The Admiral Lord Rodney, The Crown Hotel, The Dressers and The Royal British Legion.
And, of course, the festival isn’t just for music-lovers, it’s for the whole family! There will be a funfair behind the British Stage from 12pm until 8pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Back by popular demand, a selection of street entertainers will be showing off their crazy antics along Albert Road between 2pm and 5pm on Sunday.
There will also be buskers providing their own kind of Blues music at the Cenotaph, the Food Village and outside Pendle Leisure Centre, between 1.30pm and 8pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. And new for 2011, there will be face-painting and a chance to put your mark on a giant life-painting at the Cenotaph between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday and Monday.
Even if you don’t have your tickets yet, the Muni Box Office is open all weekend. And if you are not bothered about seeing the big names and just want to soak up the atmosphere, you can buy a Pledge Badge for just £5.50, which will give you access to the British Stage, the Acoustic Stage and five roadhouses – that works out at just £1.40 per day!
For a detailed line-up of all the acts and times they will be performing, visit the website http://www.bluesfestival.co.uk/ or call the Box Office on 01282 661234
