THE very first Hereford Blues Festival takes place at The Left Bank on Saturday, November 19 from 3pm.

Headlining the event will be the incredible Laurence Jones who this year has not only been named ‘Guitarist of the Year’ by The British Blues Awards, but also ‘Young Artist of the Year’. Laurence, who is still only 23, has played at Carnegie Hall, toured the UK and Europe and in October this year Laurence and his band supported Status Quo in Holland.

David Butler who came up with the idea for the Blues Festival said, “We are very lucky to have Laurence and his band, which includes bass player Roger Innis, who was runner up in the bass category of the Blues Awards. Laurence is a fantastic guitarist who is full of passion. The performance these guys give on stage is electric.”

There will be five bands performing during the afternoon and evening including the Troy Redfern Band from Kington. Troy is an excellent slide guitarist and is making a big name for himself on the UK blues circuit. He has played at a number of large festivals in the UK and at the famous 100 Club in London.

Other bands playing the Hereford Blues Festival include Tommy Allen and Johnny Hewitt, the aptly named Blues Duo, who thunder out an amazing harmonica driven Chicago-style sound; Slowburner, a four-piece blues-rock band from the Midlands with a large following in Hereford and last but not least J.Alexander & The Blues Devils. This classic four-piece band hails from South Wales and have been playing together for 30 years. They are a serious no frills, harmonica driven blues band guaranteed to get you up and dancing.

The Hereford Blues Festival is being organised by David Butler (Linton Blues Festival), John Hales (Hereford Blues Club), and Clare Foster (Events Organiser).

“We have had a great response so far, ticket sales are beyond my expectations and I have a feeling this will be a sell out gig," says John Hales. "My advice would be to get there early and get your dancing shoes ready”.

Tickets available from Nilam Music, Nick Fisher Music and Tobias James, or online at herefordleftbank.com