ORGANISERS of the 15th annual Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival at Colne are hailing this year's line-up as one of the best ever.

The event, which is one of the biggest celebrations of blues music in the country, comes to Colne every August Bank holiday weekend and attracts fans from around the world.

It combines new talent and old favourites performing in venues of all sizes across the town.

The international stage, at Colne Municipal Hall, plays host to artists including Sista Monica Parker, Eddy 'The Chief' Clearwater, Mighty Mo Rodgers, Billy Branch, Dr Feelgood and Sean Costello to name but a few.

On the festival's opening night Arthur Brown will act as compere on this stage.

A spokesman for the event said: "With hours and hours of live music this festival is difficult to beat for value for money."

Pendle Council's executive director, John Kirk, warned revellers planning to attend that this year's festival will be about blues not booze.

He said: "We have been looking at trying to reshape the festival this year to tackle some of the problems we have had in recent years.

"It's back to basics - the festival will be about the music rather than about getting legless on town centre streets."

Drinking in the streets from Linden Street up to and through the town centre has been banned and a substantial police operation targeting on-street drinking and drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour will also be in force.

The festival runs from Friday, August 27, to Monday, August 30, and tickets cost £17.50 for Friday and £30 each for the following three days.

A full festival ticket for the International Stage costs £90 if you book by this Friday, and £100 after that.

Pledge badges, which are available from official vendors throughout the town, will once again be required for the other venues.

Festival merchandise will also be on sale at the box office on Albert Road, outside the International Stage at the Municipal Hall or from the John Smith's Super Roadhouse, at Pendle Leisure Centre.

For the full festival line-up telephone 01282 661234 for a brochure or visit the website at www.bluesfestival.co.uk