BLACKBURN transforms itself into Rio de Janeiro this weekend as the town hosts its first Mardi Gras -- but the music will have a distinctive East Lancashire feel to it.

Three established local bands will take to the stage outside the Town Hall tonight, providing an unusual blend of music for bank holiday revellers.

While the overall Mardi Gras is designed to attract more shoppers into the town, tonight's event is strictly for music lovers, and has been arranged by Douglas Livesey from local group Dustfly.

His group is headlining, with two other groups, Earl and Banacek also appearing.

Douglas said: "I was approached to ask if I wanted to organise this because I am also doing work with the Red Brick Theatre appeal.

"A Mardi Gras is a great idea and the music night ensures there is something for everyone."

And while Bank Holiday is traditionally a time when music fans have a feast of gigs to pick from, Douglas is hoping the Mardi Gras will stand out after several off-stage entertainers were brought in as well.

He said: "To give it a true carnival feel, we have employed jugglers and fire breathers to mingle with the crowd and we will create a giant fire statue at the end of the night.

"It should be a night people remember."

Banacek, a funky jazzy group, will be busy this weekend. As well as their gig in Blackburn town centre, the established act will also be performing at Pendle and Colne's R&B Festival, which attracts thousands of people each year.

And Earl, a female three-piece, have travelled back up from London to appear at the event. Originally from East Lancashire, the funky girls have made a name for themselves on the pub scene in the capital and are being tipped for the big time.

Dustfly, meanwhile, are promising a performance which people won't forget are also lining up for an R&B performance this weekend.

Douglas, the group's lead singer and manager, added: "Our style of funk rock concentrates more on the music than the lyrics, and we hope it will have people talking."

The free event starts at 7pm. GRUNGE merchants Idlewild have announced details of their winter tour. Joined by fellow metal-influenced outfit Turn, these will be their last headline dates of the year. Following a support tour with Placebo in November, the energetic quartet will return to the studio and commence work on the follow-up to their outstanding, 100 Broken Windows, album. Idlewild play at Manchester University on October 18 and Lancaster Sugar on October 19.

BURNLEY band Depon Eye are appealing to anyone who might have information about equipment that was stolen from lead singer Roy Bright's house. The band have been forced to borrow equipment for their live shows after losing two sets of guitar effects pedals - a Zoom 8080 super player and a Digitech RP20. Their new album, Out and Back Again, and a string of gigs are lined up, and anyone with information can call Roy on 07990 563639.

WINNER of the V2000 competition was MR J Pomfret of Blackburn, who correctly named the last Verve album at Urban Hymns. And the Coldplay competition was won by Miss J Andrews of Blackburn, who correctly named Chris Martin as the band's lead singer.

WITH the 2000 Technics Mercury Music Prize almost upon us, Pulse has five copies of the compilation album to give away. It features a song from each of the dozen artists shortlisted and a track from last year's winner, Talvin Singh. At £4.99, this limited collection is only available till October and is the music industry's fastest ever turnaround CD. To enter answer this question: Who is the lead singer of Travis? Answers on a postcard with a daytime telephone number to, PULSE Mercury Music Prize Competition, Lancashire Evening Telegraph, Newspaper House, Blackburn, BB11HT. Closing: Thursday August 31. Usual Pulse competition rules apply.