THE music festival which turns Colne into Mecca for rhythm and blues fans will also be a three day feast for devotees of fine beer.

Plans unveiled for the latest Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival in August include a CAMRA Beer Festival at Pendle Leisure Centre running alongside performances by some of Britain's leading music performers.

The cost of getting into the Leisure Centre will be £5 a day, less than prices charged for admission to the International Stage at the Municipal Hall.

The recently revamped hall will host two stages, open only to full-day ticket holders.

Unlike previous years, there will be no free admission to the lesser hall.

One of the biggest changes to affect locals and shopkeepers will be moves to take the festival onto the streets.

Buskers, entertainers and street theatre artists are among the attractions.

Festival organiser Gary Hood said: "The expansion of the festival in this way will greatly extend the limits of the event without diluting the Blues content.

"It will also provide residents with an alternative free source of entertainment over the weekend."

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