BLUE skies watched over a Bank Holiday R and B bonanza in East Lancashire.

Colne's Great British Rhythm And Blues Festival has carved its reputation throughout Britain -- but don't be fooled by the name.

The festival, now in its 12th year, is the most varied yet.

Hundreds of artists are appearing on the main stages and festival fringe, with fans spilling out of pub and club doorways quenching their thirst for music -- and ale -- the length and breadth of the town.

The International Stage at Colne Municipal Hall and Acoustic Stage inside Lesser Muni, got going on Friday.

Lively Saturday main stage openers The Odyssey Blues Band laid down an early party groove, belting out some sharp brass breaks in a stylish mix of soul and rocking blues.

Both Alaska's The Mighty Untouchables, and later Amos Garret, were a must for the guitar connoisseur.

Meanwhile, next door on the acoustic stage, three-piece combo The One Eyed Jacks were real foot-tappers.

As Saturday evening descended many must have wished they could have been in two places at the same time.

Flamboyant boogie woogie pianist Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne fired up a packed house with a colourful display of Kansas City swing.

Having fallen under the spell of Angela Brown on previous visits to East Lancashire, she had a lot to live up to -- and she didn't disappoint.

The blues diva, whose big personality is outstripped only by her voice, demonstrated her awesome vocals in a set combining classic blues and gospel with a large helping of soul. The audience didn't want the party to end as she handed over to award-winning British blues harp player Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes. A quick dash down Albert Road and there was another party going on with the outstanding James Taylor Quartet. Influential through their acid jazz contribution, they hypnotised the audience who marvelled at their musicianship.The emergence of sassy vocalist Lyra gyrating to The Doors' Light My Fire fell just short of being a fire hazard, it was that hot.

It was however locally-grown talent The Uptown Band who had warmed them early with a faultless set of Stax Soul Classics, led by Joe Madden. They have never sounded better.

Throughout the weekend the Up4it stage, at the junction of Church Street and Great George Street, has been a platform for younger performers.

They would not even have been born when Sunday's rhythm stage headliner Lonnie Donegan, the grandaddy of them all, was laying the foundations. We are all in his debt.