FESTIVAL fever comes to Burnley town centre over the Easter weekend with the 14th Burnley National Blues Festival.

One of the main events in the blues calendar, the festival boasts a host of major names and international artists.

Burnley Mechanics will be the focal point for the four-day musical feast but the whole town centre will be buzzing with fringe events at a number of venues around the town.

Friday night sets the scene for what is to come when last year's headliner Mike Sanchez will launch into a stunning set of R&B. Sanchez, a member of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, will be backed by the six-piece Knockout-Greg and Blue Weather.

Then, one of the most dynamic performers on the international blues stage, Sista Monica Parker brings the evening to a climax with her own brand of soul, gospel and blues.

A full day's events are planned on the main stage on Saturday with the evening session seeing the mercurial Tam White kicking things off. He will be followed by Todd Sharpville who has returned after a number of years in the blues wilderness to produce one of the most acclaimed albums of the year.

Headlining on Saturday night is master of the Flying V Larry McCray whose virtuoso playing makes him one of the hottest guitarists around.

Chicago blues comes to the fore on Sunday when Byther Smith headlines the day. Also on Sunday's line-up are Little George Sueret, one of British blues fastest rising stars, and the guitar and vocal talents of Ben Andrews.

Legend is a term bandied about all too frequently, but on Easter Monday the festival will be brought to a close by a man who truly deserves the title.

Pinetop Perkins is flying in from the States especially to perform in Burnley. Now in his 89th year, he is seen as one of the finest living boogie-woogie piano players.

Other artists lined up for the final day include Joanne Shaw Taylor and her band, currently one of the hottest names on the circuit.

Marcus Malone is guaranteed to get everyone up and dancing with an explosive set at the Mechanics.

Thoughout the Easter weekend look out for the fringe festival. Eight separate venues around the town will be playing host to every style of blues imaginable. Simply follow the yellow fringe banners which will be displayed on the front of every venue and the good news is that events at fringe venues are free.

Or how about a blues cruise? On Saturday, Sunday and Monday a blues boat will be leaving Weavers tTriangle at regular intervals with artists performing on board.

For full details of of all festival events contact 01282 664400.

For a full list of what's on and your chance to review the blues...click here.