JENNY SCOTT previews four nights and three days of the finest music around, the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival which starts tonight in Colne. . .

THE stage is set, the countdown has begun and, at 7.30pm tonight, Larry Miller's virtuoso, riff-bending, guitar-slinging rock will launch the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival at Colne.

During the next four nights and three days, thousands will flock to East Lancashire to hear the likes of Eddy Clearwater, Sherman Robertson and, of course, Mighty Mo Rodgers, perform at the UK's biggest celebration of the roots of modern music.

After 15 years, the festival remains at the forefront of the British Blues calendar.

With the international stage at the Municipal Hall, plus the acoustic festival stage and official fringe venues at Colne Rugby Club, the Conservative Club, the Crown Hotel and the Lord Rodney, the atmosphere is expected to be electric.

Tonight the festival is set for a cracking star. Guest MC for the evening will be Sixties' star Arthur Brown who will introduce a line-up including the likes of Rab McCulloch - the grit-soaked Belfast blues man who released one of the best blues albums of 2004 - and Billy Branch, universally acknowledged as one of the greatest modern harp players.

Tomorrow kicks off with the Nublues, followed by US sensations, the Hitman Blues Band, touring the UK for the first time.

The evening sees the return of Doug Jay - whose performance at Colne last year sealed his reputation as one of the greatest showmen in music.

Then, young US blues prodigy Sean Costello appears on stage at 9pm, before Sista Monica Parker, the queen of the festival, arrives to cast her spell with her beautiful blend of soul, blues and gospel.

Finishing off Saturday are festival favourites Dr Feelgood with a R&B set that will have the sweat pouring and the crowds jumping.

Sunday sees the launch of an R&B dance day. If you turn up early at the International Stage, you can learn a few steps on the dance floor with GI Jive.

Having perfected your jive, your stamina will be put to the test by Maria Vincent and the Millionaires. Next up are the Cat Pack and Blue Harlem.

Then, opening up the evening are Colne stalwarts and the only band to play at all 15 festivals - King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys.

Finishing off the day is soul-drenched soulman Earl Thomas and Chicago "Chief" Eddy Clearwater.

The final day of the festival, on Monday, brings the likes of Sherman Robertson to the international stage, followed by Sharrie Williams and the Wiseguys and festival headliner Mighty Mo Rodgers - the choice of the blues elite.

For further information,call the festival box office on 01282 661234.