Review: R'n'B Festival, Colne

11:10am Tuesday 26th August 2008

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THIS year’s Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival, in Colne, has been hailed ‘the best yet’ by organisers.

Now in its 19th year, the festival attracted acts from all over the world and thousands of music lovers.

An estimated 35,000 to 40,000 people descended on the town over the weekend to see some of the world’s finest blues musicians, including Billy Boy Arnold, Steve Cropper, and Walter Trout.

As well as the acts at the town's Municipal Hall, the whole of Colne town centre was full of festival events.

And the British Stage, Acoustic Stage, and four official Roadhouses, featured a range of elite blues bands.

Several of the festival goers braved wet and windy conditions on Friday and Saturday, choosing to camp at the Colne Rugby Club site.

Remi Thackerey, of Pendle Leisure Trust, said: “We’ve sold out on nearly every day.

“It’s been absolutely fantastic, with great weather to go with it.

“The people of Colne are very proud to have this festival here as it is regarded as the number one blues festival in the country.

“Economically, it is a massive boom because 35,000 people need to eat, drink and sleep. And it has all been very good natured.

"People come here for the appreciation of music.

"Next year is the 20th anniversary, so we will have to make that even more special than this year.”