TWO music enthusiasts are hoping to create guitar heaven with Pendle’s first Guitar Festival set to take place on June 5.

Guitar showman Ken Dixon and the ACE Centre studio engineer Andrea Quarin have joined forces to plan the event at the Nelson arts venue.

There will be live music from stars of the guitar scene, as well as free guitar lessons for all abilities, valuations and trade stalls.

Ken met Andrea at one of the many guitar fairs he runs across the North West, and the pair decided to set up something in Pendle.

“It’s a fantastic venue, and we are going to fill it with music,” Ken said.

“We’ve some great guitar players planned and it will have the festival element more than a show.

“We want to make it a big event, world-wide even, it’s not a one off.”

Performances will come from Adam Palma, Adrian Ingram and Nigel ‘Idolfrets’ Pickering, covering genres from jazz and blues to folk, acoustic and rock, with workshops and drop-in classes also on offer.

Andrea added: “There will be more than 70 stalls selling guitars, amps and related items and one exhibiting 1960s memorabilia.

“People can bring along their own guitar for a free evaluation with the possibility of selling it to traders.

“This will be an ideal opportunity for anyone wanting to buy, sell or trade new, vintage or used guitars, amps and accessories.

“It will be any musician or music-lover’s dream day out.

“It is going to be huge and we are really excited to be hosting it at The ACE Centre.”

* Guitar Festival, The ACE Centre, Nelson, Sunday, June 5, 10am until 4pm. Tickets cost £3 in advance and £4 on the door. To book, or for more information, call 01282 661080.