Brewers T and R Theakston are taking a dip into the music business.

The Masham brewery is sponsoring this year's Ripley Blues series of concerts, in Ripley, near Harrogate.

Headlining acts in this year's programme include the Yardbirds, Wilko Johnson, the Blues Band, the Hamsters and Nine Below Zero.

The sponsorship follows the buy back by the founding family of the eponymous brewer from Scottish-Courage.

Simon Theakston, director, said: "At Theakston we have always had a reputation for supporting local initiatives and community interests.

"Now that the brewery is back in family control we are delighted to resurrect that tradition and support events like Ripley Blues."

Paul Jones, the singer in Sixties Manfred Mann and now frontman with the Blues Band, said: "This year is the 25th anniversary of the Blues Band being together we are delighted that Theakston supported this event in what is a very special year for us."

Published: 03/04/2004