A MAJOR North-East festival is creating a stir among music fans across the country, the organisers say.

More than 10,000 people, many from outside the region, are expected to attend the Stanley Blues Festival in County Durham on Saturday, which will be headlined by legendary blues rock band The Yardbirds, whose past members include Eric Clapton.

"We have had more calls and e-mails than we have ever had before,'' said Paul Green, of Stanley Blues Ltd. "They have come from as far away as Cornwall and Edinburgh, many from people who have heard about it for the first time.

"It has been mentioned on Paul Jones's Radio Two show and we have advertised it in the national blues publications but a lot of it is word of mouth.

"The fact we have got The Yardbirds is creating a lot of excitement. If we have good weather we should certainly get an audience of 10,000 plus.''

Billed as the country's biggest free blues festival, the event had humble beginnings in 1993 but in recent years has attracted top names like ex-Rolling Stone Mick Taylor, former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green and The Blues Band.

The show, on King's Head Field, starts at noon with North-East blues rock band The Urge, followed by the John Whitehill Band - featuring John Miles' guitarist son - and Chicago slide guitarist Studebaker John.

Hour-long sets will follow from Lightnin' Willie and the Poorboys - at 2003's festival the Texas guitarist capped a blistering set by walking into the crowd playing his guitar - Sharrie Williams and the Wiseguys and their gospel-tinged blues and then the headliners.

As ever, radio phone-in host and comedian Mike Elliott will be the compere.

Mr Green said: "Lightnin' Willie had a 40 minute set last time and he really left the crowd wanting more so we thought we'd give him a good run this time.''

The festival, sponsored by Derwentside Council with backing from the county council, runs from noon to 6.30pm. Admission is free but parking costs £3.

This year there will be a beer trailer - as opposed to a beer tent - and fast food will be available on site but people can take their own food and drink but are asked not to bring bottles and glasses. There will be fairground raids for children.

For more information call (01207) 507310 or visit www.stanleyblues.co.uk

The event is the first since founders Northern Recording disbanded and the first since the way it is funded changed.