THE 2018 Durham Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival is set to the biggest in its history after moving venues.

The festival will take place at Rainton Meadows Arena, near Houghton-le-Spring, one of the largest indoor venues in the North-East with a capacity of 2,000 people and car parking for over 900 vehicles, on Saturday, June 23.

With Climax Blues Band headlining and five other very different, but striking bands in the line-up, organisers are promising a great festival and a live music event not to missed in the North-East.

The Climax Blues Band have had huge selling albums like FM/Live and Gold Plated, the 1976 hit single “Couldn’t Get It Right” (from Gold Plated) and “I Love You” in 1981, their reputation carrying right through until the tragic death of founder member Colin Cooper in 2008.

John Brown, of festival organisers Solid Entertainments, said: "Cooper’s death could have meant the end of the band, but his desire was for the band to continue creating the fine blues blend that they have been associated with since their formation - Colin’s desire has been accepted with relish by the remaining members of the band.

"This solid unit has flown the Climax flag with tremendous passion and style; the spring in their step is taking the band forward and pleasing crowds throughout Europe. The ‘seamless’ transition in carrying on creating the unique Climax sound is the result of hard work, disguised by a band having a great time making music."

The full line up for the festival is:

Climax Blues Band - it’s been a long road, but one thing for sure is that the Climax Blues Band of today carries the same standard of quality as it did when the band formed back in the late 60s!

Chantel McGregor – delivering songs that salutes contemporary rock and showing her gradual transition from conventional Blues to a harder, bigger and bolder rock sound with progressive influences!

Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs - historically speaking, Groundhogs in their current form have been in existence for but a moment in time, yet their back story is extensive and varied!

Stevie Nimmo Trio – enjoying making music now as much as at any point throughout his 20 years in the business and relishes the prospect of continuing to tour and playing live!

Kris Barras Band – Kris was nominated for 'Blues Guitarist of the Year 2017' by Total Guitar magazine and voted into the Top 15 Blues Guitarists in the World by Music Radar!

Félix Rabin – is a French 22-year old singer-songwriter with a style that embodies the best of rock and blues and holds such passion and talent, that you will be blown away!

Adds John Brown: "With this calibre of artist stepping on stage, festival goers can expect to see top class live performances and hear a range of incredible sounds with sets that incorporate a creative mix of Blues, Rock and R & B, with a sprinkling of prog-rock in the mix! No need to worry about searching for food and drinks on the day either, there will be a range of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, real ales available and a varied menu that should meet everyone's taste!"

  • Durham Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival, Rainton Meadows Arena, Rainton Meadows, Mercantile Road, Houghton-le- Spring, DH4 5PH., Saturday, June 23. Doors open at 1.30pm and the music starts at 2pm and ends at 10pm. Early Bird tickets £27 on 01472-349 222 or go online at http://durhambluesfestival.co.uk/tickets.html