A SEA of tents, crowded pubs and an echo of 'One Two, One Two' throughout the area -- the Great British R&B Festival must be back!

Thousands of rhythm and blues fans have begun arriving in Colne for the four-day celebration of their favourite music and organisers are promising the event will be out of this world.

More than 70 artists are set to play across the three main stages over the four day event, which kicks off tonight and runs through until the early hours of Tuesday.

Many more acts are lining up to participate in the free Roadhouse sessions and on the acoustic stage. Fringe events have sprung up at cafes, pubs and clubs throughout the area.

On the main international stage, based in Colne Municipal Hall, revellers can expect more magic moments from the Otis All Stars who, without doubt, produced THE performance of last year's bash.

Festival Organiser Gary Hood said: "After last year's All Star's review, Otis and the festival received many requests from other international blues festivals in Europe and the US for the All Stars to go on the road but it couldn't be done.

"Once again, we are pulling together this special concert for a unique performance which is going to be historic."

On the European stage, held in Pendle Leisure Centre, a rich array of talent will come to the fore.

Ranging from up and coming Blues guitarist Ty Garner and harp player Johnny Mars tonight to Richie Milton's R&B orchestra sound tomorrow, fans of the music genre are expected to be kept happy throughout.

On Sunday, Third Degree kick off the day on the European Stage with a street festival theme, while Monday sees a contrast of styles, ranging from Rev Doc and the Congregation to the driving rhythms of the Elevators. King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys wrap things up, naturally.

Gary added: "This year's festival is more of what fans have come to expect from us, more high quality artists, more blues legends and the most talent you will find assembled in one town at any one time."

For more information, contact the box office on (01282) 661234.

THE GREAT BRITISH R&B FESTIVAL - THE LINE-UP TONIGHT

International stage: The Nimmo Brothers (7.30pm); Steve Williams and Blues Deluxe (8.45pm); Gwyn Ashton Band (10.15pm); Omar and the Howlers (12pm).

European stage: Ty Garner Band (7.30pm); Get Rhythm (8.45pm); The Blues Boys (10pm); Johnny Mars, and the Dana Dixon Roadshow (11.30pm).

Acoustic stage (free shows at the Lesser Muni all weekend): Doctor Brown's Blues Bands.

Roadhouse gigs: Big Girls Blues; Mick Rtuherford Band (Crown Hotel); Vince Lee and the Big Combo; The Session (Conservative Club); The Marauders; Stealer (North Valley Hotel).

SATURDAY

International stage: Parchman Farm (1.30pm); Mark Flanagan (2.45pm); Rudy Rotta Band (4pm); Kevin Thorpes Out of the Blue (5.15pm); Jolly Jumper and Big Moe (7.30pm); The Eddie Martin Big Band (8.45pm) Percy Strother (10pm); Jimmy Dawkins, Mr Big Walker and the Blue Souls with Zora Young (12pm).

European stage: The Rocking Armadillos (2pm); Buzzard (3pm); The electric Experience (4pm); The Groove Doctors (5pm); The Black Jacks (7.30pm); Nicky Moores BLues Corporation (8.45pm); Richie Milton nd the Low Down (10.15pm); The Detonators (11.30pm).

Roadhouse gigs: Perry Fosters Acoustic Sessions; The Reverand Richard John; Jet Martin; Al Hughes (Lesser Muni); Highway 51; Bad Town Blues; King Waller; Dealer; Hoggs Eye (Crown Hotel); Hang over Blues Band; Dealerl The Speakeasy Blues Band; Slowburner; Baby Isaac (Conservative Club); Hoggs Eye; vince Lee and the Big Combo; Empty Arms; After Hours; The Disciples (North Valley Hotel).