EAST Lancashire's biggest music festival could be heading into the record books.

The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival in Colne, which began last night, looks set to break all box office records with thousands of music lovers heading to East Lancashire from all over the country.

Last night's main stage at the Muni sold out in advance - the first time this has happened in 19 years - and advance sales for rest of the festival are up on last year.

Festival organiser Alison Goode said: "We are really excited about the festival this weekend as we believe the line up is the strongest we've had for a number of years."

Stars from both side of the Atlantic will be calling Colne home this weekend and it is estimated that up to 80,000 people could be attending the festival over the bank holiday weekend.

As well the main international stage, artists will also be performing at separate British and acoustic stages and at official fringe venues in pubs and cafes around the town centre and a whole host of other events are planned for the weekend.

"We're so happy that the weather looks likely to be on our side," said Alison, "so the atmosphere in Colne will be amazing, which is fantastic as we really want the festival to be a family event.

"To this end, we're bringing in a variety of street entertainers to perform up and down Albert Road on Sunday and Monday and we're also offering free swimming for under 16s at Pendle Leisure Centre from 2-5pm this afternoon until Monday."

Last night a packed Muni enjoyed peformances from Dr Feelgood, Ainsley Lister Ian Siegal and The Hamsters who performed a set of Jimi Hendrix material.

Among the highlights for the remainder of the festival are the only UK appearance of the Women of Chicago Blues, and sets by guitarist Robben Ford and the Average White Band's Hamish Stuart.

For the latest ticket information contact the festival box office on 01282 661234. To read reviews go to: www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/leisure/music/gigreviews/