A SUPERGROUP of world-famous rhythm and blues stars look set to make this weekend's 10th Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in Colne the best yet.

The festival starts tonight and the action on the International Stage in Colne Municipal Hall is kicked off by British blues 'boy wonder' Aynsley Lister, whose blistering guitar style looks set to make him a star of the future. He will be followed by returnees Canned Heat and festival favourite Walter Trout.

Lebanese-born guitarist Otis Grand will lead a supergroup of performers on the International Stage on Monday.

His slow-burning blues numbers will be backed by an exclusive collaboration rightly dubbed Allstars - including guitarist Steve Cropper who starred in cult film The Blues Brothers, Roscoe Gordon, Jimmy 'T99' Nelson, Sugar Ray Norcia, Peewee Ellis and Joe Houston.

Last year, Otis' soaring guitar performance was counterbalanced by horns and keyboards which made 60s instrumentals like Boogaloo Fuzzball sound new and refreshing.

Another star set to make a successful return is Sista Monica, who took last year's event by the scruff of the neck with her feisty, charismatic style and awesome vocal range. She headlines the International Stage on Sunday.

Other acts on the International Stage include high-octane rock and rollers Blazin' Row, American blues artiste Deborah Coleman and raucous, funky bluester Bobby Rush.

Highlights on the British stage at Pendle Leisure Centre include Hendrix aficionados The Hamsters, rockers Slack Alice and big band King Pleasure And The Biscuit Boys - who have appeared at every one of the Colne festivals.

There are four other official stages plus a whole host of unofficial fringe events.

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