WHAT a start! Colne Municipal Hall was rocking into the wee small hours last night as the Great British R&B Festival burst into life.

If the opening night is anything to go by, this year's festival will certainly be one to treasure after the packed main stage venue enjoyed over six hours of first rate R&B.

For anyone who might doubt how important this event is in the musical calendar, all I can say is you should have been there. As Colne began its four-day transformation from traditional East Lancashire town to the ultimate party venue, the bands cranked up the volume and the joint started jumping.

Down the road, the Benedictine Roadhouse was in full swing and there was music coming out of every pub. But the Muni was the centre of attention.

Jolly Jumper and Big Moe kicked things off then it was time for the Aynsley Lister Band to entertain with a hugely impressive set. Lister's rock-influenced blues got the crowd in the mood for what was to follow. No wonder he is seen as one of the bright young things of British R&B.

Youth gave way to experience with Mike Harrison and the Hamburg Blues Band. After a slow start they visibly grew in confidence and with Harrison's excellent voice sounding as good as ever they turned in a performance that had them shouting for more.

A surprise addition to the bill were the Davy Brothers. With female drummer, a bassist with mutton chop sideburns and Rupert trousers and a guitarist with flares and a tea cosy hat they looked anything but festival fare.

But their skatepunk blues went down a storm. Who cares that they over-ran by a good 20 minutes? This was quality stuff, full of energy and with some stonking guitar work.

Finally it was left to headliner Eric Sardinas to bring the show to a close -- and what a finale it was.

Dressed in sequins and looking like a cross between Slash and Cher and moving around the stage like a taller version of Prince, his blistering guitar work had the audience spellbound. Boy does this man know how to put on a show!

With sweat dripping off the ceiling, the opening night of the Colne festival came to an end. A great start to what is unquestionably a great event.