THOSE rhythmic blues got off to a great start in Colne as crowds packed the town to listen to the first concerts of the great four-day festival.

More than 70 artists will play on the three main stages and many more will be playing at fringe events and free Roadhouse sessions.

The event attracts Blues fans from all over the country and thousands pack the streets.

This year organisers have introduced a code of conduct to improve safety and licensees have agreed to serve drinks from plastic glasses over the festival weekend.

Police said four people were arrested on the opening night, three for public order offences and one for being drunk and disorderly.

Off licences tempted to sell alcohol to underage drinkers at the festival were today warned that police are carrying out checks. A recent test purchase by police found seven out of 13 shops in Colne and West Craven willing to sell alcohol to an underage person.

Sgt June Prophet, co-ordinator of Operation Flock, said test purchasing of alcohol is to continue over the weekend to stop a repeat of youth drunkenness which she said marred last year's festival.