AN ALL-star line-up has been unveiled for the 21st annual Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival.

More than 600 acts from across the globe will perform at eight official venues over four days at the Colne-based event, which is the biggest of its kind in this country and the second largest in Europe.

Last year around 25,000 music lovers descended on Pendle for the festival, lining the pockets of local shops and businesss with £2million.

And organisers are hoping this year’s festival, which takes place between Friday August 27 and Monday 30, is just as big a hit.

R&B heavyweights including Peter Green, Georgie Fame, Chris Farlowe and Sandi Thom, who scored a number one in the UK singles chart with I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker in June 2006, will all take to the Muni’s International Stage over the bank holiday weekend.

Jetting in from the USA will be Omar and The Howlers, Magic Slim and The Teardrops, the Popa Chubby Band and the Larry Garner Band.

Highlights on the British Stage will include Chantel McGregor, the Mitch Laddie Trio, the Frank White Band and Cliff Stocker’s legendary Slack Alice.

Organiser Alison Goode said: “The feedback we have had from fans so far has been fantastic, with comments such as, ‘awesome line-up’ and ‘I can’t believe some of the names you’ve got coming to Colne.’ “Almost 40 per cent of the tickets we have sold already have been bought by people who have never been to the festival before. So die-hard regulars had better get their tickets before it’s too late.”

“Ticket sales are well up on previous years, making us quite confident this could be one of our best years yet.”

Local musicians will perform on the Jessica Foxley Stage, which has been added to the event in memory of the 21 year-old singer who died in a car crash with boyfriend Tom Petty and friend Philip Wright last July.

The Revenues, The Quattro, Purple Buddha, Gravity, The Phil Bailey Band, The Bluestown Band, Jax Trio and Laura Bailey will take centre stage on the closing night of the festival.

There will also be a funfair while street performers and buskers will line Albert Road.

A discount will be offered on tickets bought before Saturday, June 26. Go to www.bluesfestival.co.uk for information.