Time is running out to get your tickets for what is being billed as the biggest and best Great British R&B Festival of all time, as the event prepares to return to Colne over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Taking place for the first time since 2019, due to COVID-19, organisers of the event Colne Town Council are in buoyant mood ahead of the festival, which this year will include a rock, roots and folk twist, on top of the classic blues.
The sensational line-up, which has been produced by Artistic Director Peter Barton, also includes farewell tours for some of the Blues’ industries most acclaimed singers and bands, including Geno Washington, Connie Lush and The Animals.
With the likes of Lindisfarne, Dr Feelgood, FM, Nine Below Zero, Ian Siegal and King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, who incidentally performed at the first ever Great British R&B Festival in Colne back in 1990, all set to feature over the weekend, tickets are selling fast.
The line-up of over 50 artists will perform across the Colne Muni, Mini Muni and the Pendle Hippodrome between Friday 26th August and Sunday 28th August, with some great value festival tickets to be had including getting the chance to see 12 artists for just £40, less than £4 per band.
Full festival and individual day tickets can be purchased online for the event which is being sponsored by Barnfield Construction and Property Shop, with prices starting at just £30: https://www.colneblueslineup.com/get-tickets
Camping/caravan passes are also available for the duration of the festival, with prices starting from just £14. Camping will be located at the Colne & Nelson Rugby Club.
Miguel Montalban, who has been labelled as one of the greatest young guitarists around and who will be travelling from Chile to perform, said: “There’s going to be three nights of incredible live music performances, 50 blues, rock, roots and folk artists performing in the beautiful town of Colne.
“It’s my first time playing in Colne and I am very excited. We just can’t wait to see everyone jumping around with us and having a great time. Get your tickets and we’ll see you all very, very soon!”
Aynsley Lister, who is closing a sensational day of live music at Pendle Hippodrome on Saturday 27th August, commented: “I’ve been playing this festival since 1997, so 25 years, it was actually from playing this festival that I got my record deal and it kickstarted my career.
“Please come along and support us and all the other great bands and acts that will be performing too.”
Alongside the main festival, The Official Fringe will be taking place in 15 venues across the town, with live music from Thursday 25th August, right through until Monday 29th August.
Colne Town Council have also launched a #ShopLocal campaign as part of the event, with over 100 #ShopLocal stickers distributed to local businesses for them to stick in their shop windows.
Coun Mary Thomas, chair of Colne Town Council, said: “The Great British R&B Festival is massive for our town and is so extremely important for our local businesses.
“We encourage everyone visiting our great little town to explore the wonderful businesses we have here and to #ShopLocal!”
Colne will be transformed for the August Bank Holiday weekend with family-fun entertainment taking place around the town including face painters, five buskers tents, street food vendors showcasing a wide variety of international cuisine, plus much more.
You can learn more about the festival here: https://www.bluesfestival.co.uk/