THE last British general in Basra and the former Royal Marines chief Andy Salmon will reflect on an emotional personal journey through war and peace at Clitheroe Grand next month.

Salmon, OBE, whose father was a publican in Padiham, attended Clitheroe Royal Grammar School before embarking on a highly distinguished military career.

Serving as a young officer during the Falklands campaign and later in the Middle East, Salmon shares his experiences as a negotiator and peace maker in the world’s conflict zones.

And his powerful message, through his moving accounts of conflict and resolution is certainly one of hope.

“Today, in the current climate, where it’s easy to blame problems on everyone else, we need to connect, to collaborate and learn to love each other a bit more,” said Salmon, who was appointed as a companion of the Order of St Michael and George for his gallant and distinguished service in Iraq.

“How to make the world a better place – whatever that means for you.”

He added: “I often look back to that decade in Padiham, and there was a brutal honesty about my upbringing there.

“The pub could be rough, intimidating, sometimes violent, but that environment made me more socially adaptable.

“But it provided me with that extra resilience and positivity I used in many challenging military situations all over the world.”

The audience will also have the opportunity to take part in a question and answer with the ex-Royal Marines Commandant for this special spoken word evening on Wednesday, February 12.

Salmon’s appearance at the Grand is one of the highlights of an exciting 2020 winter/spring season at the York Street venue.

Chantel McGregor is no stranger to the Grand, and the brilliant blues rock guitarist returns by popular demand.

Chantel’s rising profile was officially recognised when she was voted Rock Guitarist of the Year at the British Blues Awards.

Her rock repertoire is sure to delight fans when she tunes up her guitar again on Friday, February 7.

The Dutty Moonshine Band were one of the stars of last summer’s Beat-Herder festival.

The Moonshine crew have a penchant for the vaudeville and even bigger basslines - and they make their debut at the Grand on Saturday, March 14.

Dutty’s mad-cap mixes are as relentless as they are infectious.

Led by Dutty Moonshine himself, who grew up with jazz music at home and warehouse raves at the weekend, they fuse the classic sounds of swing with funk, garage and grime, drum and bass and a harp!

This year is the 30th anniversary of The Stone Roses’ iconic concert at Spike Island.

Roses tribute act – The Clone Roses – are headlining The Resurrection festival at the site of the original concert on the banks of the River Mersey in May.

Before then, though, the Clone Roses will be paying homage to Ian Brown, Reni, John Squire and Mani at the Grand on Friday, March 6.

Baggy, bassist for Clone Roses, said: “It is always a great crowd at Clitheroe.

“We’ll be playing all the hits, Waterfall, She Bangs the Drums, I Am the Resurrection and many more.”

For more information about the line-up at the Grand, visit www.the grandvenue.co.uk