SHOP traders are being urged to open their doors to the thousands of spectators expected to visit Darwen's number one music festival.

Darwen Music Live, re-named Darwen 2003 - Keeping Music Live! for this year's event, will boast around 60 acts on eight stages across the town. And Darwen Town Centre Association wants shop owners to take advantage of the influx of music-lovers by opening up for the Bank Holiday weekend.

Chairman John Brown said: "The main boost will be felt by the cafes so it will be important they open on the Bank Holiday. There will also be outdoor market stalls which will benefit from the crowds.

"This is a great thing for Darwen and every year it attracts more and more people. It really puts the town on the map."

Funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council, the event is now in its third year. Gary Ward, from organisers Darwen Music Projects, said: "We decided to change the name this year to give the event a bit of an identity change.

"We had the first music festival in 2000 and it's just grown bigger and bigger. We are hoping to attract record crowds this year."

Bad Manners, Hodhodza, Gone Beggin' and Natasha Lea Jones are among the performers. Darwen police are drafting in extra officers and issuing an important message to pubs.

Insp Graham Ashcroft said: "The majority of people who go to the event do so to have a good time and to enjoy the music but we are prepared if any problems arise. We will have extra officers on duty and we have closed Cross Street and Church Street to traffic.

"Alcohol will be served from plastic glasses and we will visit all pubs in the town centre this week just to remind them."

Event organisers need young bands to play 15-40 minute sessions in the Tower Room of Darwen Leisure Centre. For more information, contact Gary Ward on 01254 704006.

Event programmes are on sale at the Town Hall and various venues including Suzy Qs, The Crown, The Millstone and The Black Horse.