BLUES fans can look forward to three days of world-class performers with the arrival of the 18th annual Burnley National Blues Festival on Easter Bank Holiday (April 14 to 16).

A sneak preview into the acts headlining this year's even reveals it is one of the strongest line-ups yet.

Biggest news of the festival is an exclusive UK appearance of the Chicago Blues Harmonica Project featuring The Chicago Bluesmasters and Harmonica Wizards.

And there are also performances from Little Arthur Duncan, Russ Green, Larry Cox, Walter Trout and the Radicals, Larry Garner, Big Bill Morganfield, Big George Jackson, Melvin Taylor, Paul Rishell, Annie Raines, Ian Diegel and Doug MacLeod to name but a few.

According to the organisers, this year's festival offers more than just a great atmosphere it's a weekend voyage of musical discovery.

And as well as the performances this year's festival will have a unique Blues Cruise on which passengers can sit back, relax and be entertained for an hour away from the crowds aboard the Marton Emperor as it sails along the Leed-Liverpool Canal.

On Saturday those who fancy themselves as musicians get a rare opportunity to meet and learn from two of the leading country blues musicians Paul Rishell (country blues guitar) and Russ Green (harmonica) in workshops.

The Burnley Blues Festival began in 1988 and was so successful it quickly developed into one of the major annual festivals in the UK.

Today it is known the world over and in 2003 the city of Chicago chose Burnley as its twin festival, believing it to be one of the world's leading blues events.

But if blues isn't necessarily your thing, don't assume you won't enjoy yourself. A spokesman said: "If your perception of blues music is an old man sitting on his porch playing I woke up this morning' on his acoustic guitar think again. Come along and give the festival a try, you won't be disappointed."

A special festival brochure is now available from Burnley Mechanics. A full festival ticket costs £56, Friday ticket £16, Saturday and Sunday tickets cost £25 each, The Blues Cruise is £5 and workshops cost £10. Booking line 01282 664400.