MUSIC fans are gearing up for the 10th Darwen Live music festival despite the continuation of last year’s controversial alcohol policy.

A group for the event has been set up on the social networking site Facebook, and has attracted 766 members, some of which are calling for the ban to be lifted.

Darwen Live will take place on May 24 and May 25 in the town centre and in the Darwen Library Theatre, in Knott Street. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend over the two days.

Organisers banned festival-goers from bringing in their own alcohol to the site to create a more family friendly atmosphere and because it was “in the interest of public health and safety”.

Also alcohol cannot be taken out of the festival marquee and containers, glass or otherwise, cannot be brought in.

Drinks can only be bought from the site and the bars and pubs that will put on the fringe performances.

Conservative Coun Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture, said: “We received many compliments for this policy last year.

"The enclosed festival site is a licensed site, just like the local pubs and clubs, and the same rules apply.”

Acts include former members of both the Boomtown Rats and the Bay City Rollers.