An annual festival of music and arts is returning to the Ribble Valley next week, featuring a stellar line-up.

RibFest will be held in Ribchester from July 12 to July 16 and will feature singing sensation, Ella Shaw, The Ribble Valley Jazz Big Band, and a Bruce Springsteen tribute.

The first Ribchester Festival was held in 1993, although it was re-launched in its current guise in 2016.

And according to RibFest chair, Peter Rabbitts, the festival “has always aimed to provide something for everyone”, and once again, the programme is nothing if not eclectic.

Running from Wednesday, July 12, until Sunday, July 16, RibFest is framed to appeal to a broad spectrum of tastes.

All concerts will take place in Ribchester Village Hall at 7.30pm, with The Ribble Valley Jazz Big Band opening proceedings on Wednesday, July 12.

This genre of music has been missing from the RibFest line-up in recent years, so the organisers have been keen to fill the void.

Thursday, July 13, sees Ribfest go acoustic, with The Black Feathers.

This husband-and-wife duo has built up a loyal following in the UK with their brand of folk/Americana, whilst also spreading their wings across the Atlantic where they’ve performed at Philadelphia Folk Festival and AmericanaFest. 

Ella Shaw will open the weekend’s entertainment. Ella first rose to fame while still a teenager after impressing judges on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

Having recently toured with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, she’ll take to the stage to wow festival goers when she performs at RibFest on Friday, July 14.

Saturday, July 15, will see another big RibFest day, with a free outdoor event ‘Rock on the Rec’, featuring local cover bands and a family friendly vibe.

Spanning the afternoon and evening, the day will raise funds for Ribchester Rovers Football Club.

Then, as an evening indoor alternative, fans can celebrate ‘The Essence of Springsteen’, a tribute to the Boss himself.

RibFest concludes on Sunday, July 16, in traditional fashion, with an evening recital of classical music by Trio Volant, a woodwind ensemble based in the North West.

Mr Rabbitts said: “We want to manage a sustainable festival, showcasing our village.

"We aim to provide quality, affordable entertainment, accessible to all strands of the community.”

Tickets, costing £10-£15, are available by emailing tickets@theribfest.co.uk or by calling/texting 07592 893423.