EAST Lancashire is preparing for a blues invasion as the 15th Burnley Blues Festival starts tonight.

Over the Easter weekend more than 10,000 music fans will head into town to see some of the biggest names in blues from around the world.

Burnley Mechanics will be the focal point for the three-day festival, with R&B legends Dr Feelgood headlining tonight's opening show.

Tomorrow and Sunday, the entertainment starts at 2pm and runs until the small hours.

Tomorrow's entertainment will see legends from Chicago such as Willie Kent and Eddy Clearwater headlining, then on Sunday Bobby Parker will be making a rare appearance on a British festival stage.

For the first time Padiham Town Hall will also host a festival event, when Nine Below Zero play there on Sunday night.

In addition there is a huge fringe festival running alongside the event with many pubs and cafes catering for blues fans.