THE first act confirmed to perform at an annual festival of blues, rhythm and rock music has been announced.

The Whitby Blues Festival, held at Whitby Pavilion, will welcome Corky Laing from Canada, best known as the drummer in band Mountain.

Mr Laing recorded with indie band The Mix in the 1980s, before forming the band Cork with Noel Redding and Eric Schenkman the following decade.

He has recently worked as the vice president of Polygram Records in Canada, and has produced bands such as Men Without Hats and Voivod.

Next year’s festival will be held on Saturday, October 13.