AN impressive line-up of local talent has been chosen to perform at this year’s Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne.

Nine acts will play as part of the Jessica Foxley Stage over the four-day event with one band — TC and The Money Makers — performing on the main stage at the Muni on Saturday evening in between the likes of Lil’ Jimmy Reed, Sugar Blue, Billy Branch and Charlie Musselwhite.

Bexley Square Blues Band, The Midnight Ramble, Tom Byrne and Friends, Minor Blues and The 45s will perform at various slots on the British Stage over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

And another three — Half Deaf Clatch, Brother Duke and Lily and Ross, who are 15-year-old students from Park High School in Colne — will play on the Acoustic Stage at the Lesser Muni.

A total of 30 acts applied for a place, 12 auditioned and nine made it through.

Festival organiser, Alison Goode, said: “The auditions took place over three separate dates and were fantastic! It was an absolute privilege to watch the number of high calibre young bands and artistes who auditioned for a chance to play.

“Because the bands were of such a high quality, extra slots have been created in the programme for them.”

Not only have the acts won the chance to play in front of hundreds of national and international blues fans, they also get the opportunity to produce a demo at Studio 11 Recording Studios at The ACE Centre in Nelson.

  • The Great British rhythm and Blues Festival, Colne, Friday, August 23 to Monday, August 26. Details from 01282 661234.