A POPLAR blues festival returns to the region this weekend (Saturday, June 21).

The Durham Blues Festival will feature 12 acts across two stages at the Gala Theatre, Durham, on Saturday.

Royal Southern Brotherhood will headline the Main Street Stage, which will host a total of six acts between 3pm and 11pm.

The Acoustic Stage, which will also have music from 3pm to 11pm, will feature Dove and Boweevil, Innes Sibun and others.

Walter Trout and Wilko Johnson withdrew from the event due to illness.

However, a festival spokesman said: “With 12 acts over two stages in one great day of music, it’s a chance to see some of the genre’s best-loved artists alongside some brand new blues talent.”

Tickets are £27 in advance or £30 on the day. To book, visit the Gala Theatre box office, call 03000-266-600 or go online to galadurham.co.uk

The festival will be repeated at Pleasure Island, Cleethorpes, the following day. For more information, visit eastcoastbluesfestival.co.uk