PREPARATIONS are well under way for a popular annual music festival in the region.

The third Barnard Castle Rhythm and Blues Festival will take place at the Red Well Inn in May.

This year, the organisers of the festival had hoped to stage it in a different venue in the town, such as the castle, which would allow more people into the event.

However, they have not been able to find a new venue in time so they will concentrate their efforts on looking for an alternative site for 2006.

Mike Walton, the festival organiser, said: "We're a victim of our own success, as we can't risk too many people arriving and breaking safety regulations.

"Once this year's festival is finished, we'll start looking at new venues for next year.

"However, this year should be great, we've got some brilliant bands lined up."

Confirmed bands who will be playing at the festival include musicians from Barnard Castle's Teesdale Community Resources music studio, local band Icepick Willy, Freeway, a Free tribute band, and Slack Alice, from Burnley.

The festival takes place on Sunday, May 29, from 12.30pm.

Published: 26/02/2005