COLNE Town Council will take on the responsibility for the planning and delivery of the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, which will be held in Colne over the August Bank Holiday Weekend. The Festival, which will be in its 28th year in 2017, is the highlight of Colne’s musical calendar each year. Previously, the event has been organised by Pendle Borough Council and latterly, Pendle Leisure Trust.
The decision to take over the Blues Festival was confirmed at the November meeting of Colne Town Council. A dedicated working group has already been established, which is chaired by Cllr Joe Cooney, to oversee the successful delivery of the Festival.
Commenting on the announcement, Cllr Joe Cooney, said, “I’m delighted to be working with my fellow councillors in this group responsible for the delivery of our Blues Festival. Over the last few years, its future has been in doubt, but with Town Council’s decision to take it over, we can now attempt to secure its long term future. We are grateful to Pendle Leisure Trust, in particular to Alison Goode, for all the excellent work over a number of years which has built the Festival into the wonderful event we all know and love. The Town Council intends to continue to build on these foundations and while we may make some changes in 2017, at its heart the Festival will stay true to the core values of The Blues.”
