THE sun is shining (apparently), the birds are singing -- and local bands are set to get East Lancashire rocking over the bank holiday weekend.

As well as the paid-for R'n'B festival being held in Colne until the early hours of Tuesday morning, two other events are set to pack in the crowds during the year's final bank holiday weekend.

King William Street in Blackburn, normally a hub of shopping activity, is set to be packed with music-lovers ready to enjoy the second Blackburn Live event on Saturday night.

Four top-notch bands have been lined up for the event. As well as two Manchester bands, Desolation Angels, a dark and passionate nu-wave hybrid of female-punk-folk-grunge alchemy, Indigo-Dub, a six-piece who combine cutting edge break beats with an indie face and dance sensibility, will perform.

For the second year, Blackburn-based four piece Dustfly will perform. Since their last appearance on the Blackburn Live stage, they have played at some of the most prestigious venues in the country, including headline slots at the world famous Cavern Club's Easter Live Festival in Liverpool.

And Nelson-based Earl wrap things up, returning to East Lancashire after cracking the London scene, particularly in Camden, where they are well-known at the famous Barfly Sessions. They have supported several big names already, and back up Belmont's Badly Drawn Boy later this year. In Colne, Up4It, a music stage highlighting the talents of local bands, will be running today, tomorrow and Sunday until 11pm.

Around 25 bands, acts and groups will perform across the three days including former Bliss girls Abigail Jackson and Laura Heyworth, now called LA. It will be their first gig in the area.

Organiser of the event Brian Holmes said: "The town is at the centre of the music attention this weekend and we feel it is important the young people of this area have the chance to be part of it too.

"We have all sorts of music over the weekend, showcasing the best talent from the area. We have expanded on last year, and even have gospel music on Sunday evening.

"There will be DJs later on on each night and some great music throughout.

"We had more than 60 bands apply to perform. The quality will be better than ever."