LESS than a week to go and the waiting is nearly over. The four-day party that is the Great British R&B Festival and which will transform Colne into the music capital of the UK will burst into life next Friday.

Now in its 13th year, the festival has become an unmissable event for thousands of rhythm and blues fans from all over the country.

Organisers expect up to 60,000 to travel to Colne during the Bank Holiday weekend to enjoy some of the finest live acts around.

As ever, Colne Municipal Hall will be the focal point for the festivities hosting the main international stage. Next Friday night will see blues and rock to the fore with acts including Jolly Jumper and Big Moe, Aynsley Lister and Mike Harrision and the Hamburg Blues Band. Topping the bill is showman supreme, the energetic Eric Sardinas.

Saturday sees Big George Jackson headinlining then on Sunday it's Tommy Castro who takes top billing. Finally on Monday the main man of the entire festival, Lucky Peterson, will show why he is regarded as a modern-day legend.

The main stage is just part of the festival. Pendle Leisure Centre plays host to the Benedictine Roadhouse which will showcase new talent from this country and abroad. By buying a pledge pin for just £1, you gain admission to the roadhouse with proceeds going towards the festival costs.

Elsewhere,the whole of Colne will be transformed into a mini New Orleans with live music and cafe society combining to make it an event to remember.

Full details about each day's programme of events, the special festival brochure plus ticket information is available from the festival hotline 0870 909 3399.