DARWEN is set to host its first ever jazz and blues festival in August.

The owners of a new bar near the town centre are using their industry contacts to put on a show to rival the Colne Blues Festival, which regularly attracts thousands of music lovers from across the country.

Erica Dobie, of Three In A Bar, in Belgrave Road, wants to see pubs and clubs in the town lending their floors to both established and new talent.

She opened the jazz cafe with Andy Barnes and Paul Rigby, who set up the Northern Jazz Orchestra 21 years ago.

Erica said: “We are so excited to be hosting Darwen’s first Jazz and Blues Festival in partnership with the Bridgewater and other local venues.

“The idea evolved into a celebration of the best in jazz and blues talent to culminate in a festival at the Bridgewater, Three in a Bar and The Millstone, and there are currently discussions taking place through the Bar U scheme for other local venues.”

Paul has toured the world and played with musicians such as Georgie Fame, Bobby Shew and Maynard Ferguson.

Andy has worked in the pub trade for over 15 years and has a variety of musical connections as well as singing with local Darwen Choir, Octavius and for St Cuthbert’s Church Choir. Erica also sings with Octavius choir.

She said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support for our festival from Darwen Neighbourhood Police, the For Darwen Party and other local businesses.

“We have also been in touch with one of the organisers from the Ribble Valley Jazz Festival which was held recently.

“This is the cherry on top of the icing on the cake for what we are trying to achieve at 3 in a Bar through our diverse programme of activities.”

Erica has applied for funding from the Grassroots grant programme and will be supported by Darwen Town Council. The festival is likely to be held at the end of August.

Councillor Tony Melia, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “I think this will be great for the town, and everyone should be getting behind it.

“We want to increase footfall and new visitors in the town centre, and this will definately do this.

“It will also provide something new that we haven’t seen before.”