GIRL band Earl, whose blend of blues, jazz and pop has steadily matured since they were first featured in Pulse last summer, will join top alternative acts at a music festival in Manchester this month.

The Pendle three-piece are also set to grace the pages of a national magazine as word about their eclectic style spreads.

The band comprises 18-year-old singer and guitarist Ruth Daniels from Brierfield, her younger sister Fiona on drums and bass player Lizzie Evans, 18, from Earby.

The Water's Edge Festival at Castlefields Arena between July 23 and 25 will feature top alternative acts, including Oldham's major label indie stars Puressence.

The festival is sponsored by Manchester radio station Key 103, who have given the girls airplay in the lead-up to what will be their biggest moment yet.

Red Stripe beer and Manchester City Council are also sponsoring the event, which will feature power popsters Snow Patrol along with indie hopefuls Cube and Witness.

Other top-rate acts confirmed so far include Dawn Of The Replicants, Toploader, Intastella, The Egg, My Life Story, Cay, Younger Younger 28 and Fungus.

Many of those bands played this summer's Glastonbury Festival, which shows how well Earl have done to get on the bill. The girls clinched their spot after a show at Manchester's Band On The Wall in April, when they generated interest from record companies and promoters.

The trio have also been interviewed and photographed by homeless benefit magazine The Big Issue and have been told a feature about them is due to be published in the issue due out at the end of this week.

Earl are hoping to confirm a show at Burnley's Comfort Inn on August 6, when they look set to play alongside crossover band Gecho.

The girls are also set to repeat their successful appearance at the fringe of last year's Colne Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival and are to headline the fringe event this year.

They are also set to play Rochdale Indoor Leisure Centre this Friday, Life Bar in Middleton on July 23, Manchester Boardwalk on August 13 and The Witchwood, Ashton-under-Lyne on August 18.

Factory Records favourites The Space Monkeys, whose drummer Chas Morrison comes from Edenfield, are also set to play the Manchester festival.

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