MUSIC fans will be getting the blues this weekend when a host of top acts hit the stage in Stourbridge.

The third annual Stourbridge Blues Festival is once again being held at Old Halesonians Rugby Club and will go back to its roots by hosting 12 acts over 12 hours on Saturday (May 16).

Kicking off at noon and continuing until midnight, the line-up features top names from the Midlands blues scene, such as Tom Walker Trio, Big Wolf Band and Rebecca Downes.

After her performance on the introducing stage at Skegness Blues Festival 2015 was so well received, Rebecca was voted by the audience to be ‘promoted’ to the main stage for the 2016 event.

Other acts performing on Saturday include The Mentulls, Black Thunder Revue, Paul Stedman Band, Blacktop Deluxe, Silverthorne, Gwyn Ashton, 46th & Main, The Rainbreakers and Brierley Hill’s Sunjay Brayne.

The festival was almost cancelled last year due to an expanded two-day event, coupled with poor ticket sales, so organisers have returned to their original format.

Local music promoter Gary Child, who almost single-handedly organised the first two festivals, has put together a new committee of volunteers to help support this year’s event.

He said: “Huge music stars have been born out of our region - people like Robert Plant - which we are really proud of.

“But these days there is a lack of larger scale local venues and events to support new local artists, help grow talent and enable people to engage in blues music.

“My aim is to bring blues back to the Black Country and the Stourbridge Blues Festival is a fantastic vehicle to engage musicians and the community – while also having a really fun day.

“If you want great live music and a friendly atmosphere then come along on Saturday.”

Proceeds from the festival will this year be donated to Acorns Children Hospice, which offers a network of care and support to children, and their families, who have life limiting or life threatening conditions.

Free overnight camping is also being offered to visitors, as well as hot showers and toilets.

For more information, or to book tickets costing £10, visit www.stourbridgebluesfestival.co.uk