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

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

"We have had more calls and e-mails than we have ever had before,'' said Paul Green, of Stanley Blues Limited. "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 such as 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, Sharrie Williams and the Wiseguys and their gospel-tinged blues and then the headline bands.

Radio phone-in host and comedian Mike Elliott will compere the event.

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

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

This year, there will be a beer trailer instead of a beer tent, and fast food will be served. People can take their own food and drink but are asked not to bring bottles and glasses. There will be fairground rides for children.

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