The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival is the best Blues Festival in Britain. And that's official!
Published Friday 16th September 11
Colne's annual music extravaganza was named as winner in the British Blues Festival category of the 2011 British Blues Awards at the weekend.
The announcement was made during an awards ceremony at Newark Castle during Newark Blues Festival on Sunday.
Festival organiser, Alison Goode, and Pendle Leisure Trust's Publicity/PR Manager, Sue Madigan, travelled south to collect the accolade.
Alison said: "We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. It puts both Colne and the Festival well and truly on the map.
"We had no idea we had won. We decided to go to Newark when we heard we had been nominated and it was also a chance to see another blues festival."
The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival was nominated for the award in April and people had until the end of July to vote for their favourite.
There was a staggering 80,000 votes from people in 100 different countries for entries in the 15 categories.
"What makes it even more special is the fact we were nominated for the award by someone who attends and enjoys the festival.
"It is fantastic news that the festival has now been recognised and I would like to thank everyone who voted for us and, of course, our sponsors - Barnfield Construction, East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership, John Smith's and Radio Lancashire - who continue to support us year after year.
"This is a great achievement for the festival and for Pendle Leisure Trust. The credit should go to all the staff for their hard work, commitment and massive team effort which goes into bringing this festival to Colne year after year."
There was a total of 15 categories in the awards competition, including British Male and Female Vocalist, British Blues Band, British Instrumentalist and British Young Artist.
Colne's festival was up against five other festivals in the British Blues Festival category - Blues On The Farm, Carlisle Blues Festival, Maryport Blues Festival, Newark Blues Festival and Swanage Blues Festival.
Maryport took third place and Blues On The Farm came second.
The Awards, which were launched last year, are nominated and voted for by members of the public and blues music fans.
Last year there were over 1,600 nominations for the various categories and more than 7,000 people voted.
PHOTO: Alison Goode receives the award for Best British Blues Festival 2011 from Richard Pavitt, of Nugene Records.
For further information contact Sue Madigan, Publicity/PR Manager, on 01282 661231 or e-mail susan.madigan@pendleleisuretrust.co.uk
(Press release issued by Pendle Leisure Trust)
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