THE last night of the Colne R and B festival was one of surprises.

Sadly the original 'headliner' Luther Allison died two weeks ago so his son Bernard and his band stepped in.

And while the audience missed out on veteran Luther there was a bonus; they were able to see a stunning British outfit, the Ainsley Lister Band.

Youthful Ainsley and his two pals looked like they had just finished their "A" levels but what a difference a year makes.

They were good at the last festival. This year they were fantastic.

Young Ainsley could certainly teach Noel Gallagher a thing or two about guitar playing.

There was another delight in Gregg Wright's Left Hook - so named because he is left-handed.

Gregg looks like a hunky Jimi Hendrix and obviously is having a 'Hendrix-type' love affair with his guitar. If he handles his woman as passionately, wow!

Adrian Burns opened the night with his acoustic guitar and his version of Blue Suede Shoes would have impressed even the most committed Presley fans.

It certainly had the audience rocking.

Talking of audiences, pity there weren't the usual Bank Holiday crowds to support the Festival.

Perhaps they had all been too long in the sun. They missed a great night.

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