ONE of the biggest bands on the British blues scene will headline the Blues Day at Burnley Mechanics in May.

King King, voted best band for the last three years at the British Blues Awards, will top the bill at the event which promises to be a spectacular celebration of live music.

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Also lined up to perform on the main stage on Saturday, May 2, will be Mike Zito and the Wheel and one of the country’s most talked about power trios, Virgil and the Accelerators.

Barbara Hood, marketing and programme manager at the Mechanics said: “We wanted to put on the best possible show we could and we are delighted to have got King King to headline.

“They really are at the forefront of the blues rock scene at the moment and are only going to play one other festival date this year.

“We have tried to get them to come to Burnley several times before and we are very pleased to have finally secured them.”

Glasgow-based King King led by the charismatic Alan Nimmo swept the board at the blues awards winning five categories including best album for Standing in the Shadows, making them the hottest draw in blues rock.

Mike Zito brings an international flavour to the event. He will be best known as one of the founders of the Royal Southern Brotherhood featuring Cyril Neville and Devon Allman.

His band The Wheel includes musicians hand-picked by Mike to create what he describes “my dream band”.

Their hard driving southern rock style combines some country influences with some killer guitar licks and intelligent lyrics.

The third offering for the event, Virgil and the Accelerators are making a welcome return to Burnley.

The blistering guitar work of Virgil McMahon teamed with the power drumming of his brother Gabriel and the driving rhythms of bassist Jack Timmis have seen the band in demand all over Europe.

“The three bands we have got all complement each other brilliantly,” said Barbara.

“We wanted to create a special night which would keep people enthralled all night.”So we have deliberately got three bands who although can be classed as blues, all offer something different.”

As well as the main stage on the Saturday night, the Mechanics’ new venue The Front Room will be put to good use during the afternoon.

“We will be opening the Front Room from 2pm until 6pm to give local bands the chance to perform,” said Barbara. The bar will be open and food will also be available during the afternoon.

“We are currently on the look-out for local bands who would like to play a slot during the afternoon.”

An acoustic evening in the Front Room is also being considered to run alongside the main stage events.

Any local bands or artists who would like to be considered for the Front Room should contact Barbara by emailing bhood@burnley.gov.uk including a brief biography and a clip of their music if possible.

Tickets for the Burnley Blues Day are now on sale from the Mechanics box office on 01282 664400.