Basking in the afterglow of last year’s success, the 6th annual Orkney Islands Blues Festival takes place over the weekend of 16-18th September 2005. The Blues Crew have organised another blistering weekend of boogie & blues featuring a mouth-watering array of acts plus a full day of music workshops and open sessions. In the space of six short years, the festival has grown in both size and stature, offering over 35 events across the islands using 12 of our finest hostelries amongst its chosen venues (hence the working title 12 Bar Blues). The festival mixes a potent blend of electric and acoustic music and features some of the best acts in the business; all guaranteed to have you rolling in the Isles!

Blues guitar legend Peter Green will appear at this year’s festival, as part of the Festival headliners the British Blues All Stars. The All Stars boast a flexible line up of the most prominent British blues musicians around. Other names appearing as part of this star studded act are ex Stone the Crows drummer Colin Allen, ex T-Rex guitarist Miller Anderson, Spencer Davis bass player Colin Hodgkinson, The Blues Band guitarist, Dave Kelly, and veteran blues and boogie pianist, Bob Hall.

Others on the bill include:-
The Ready Eddies from Shropshire,
Veteran Scots film star Tam White
Mr Riff from the Isle of Man,
Lazy Poker from Tayside,
Canadian Tim Williams,
The Blues Burglars from Newcastle,
Son Henry Band from Alaska,
Shapinsay’s Mean Business,
Scots axe hero Gerry Jablonski,
Hokum Hotshot Jim Murray
and star of many Folk & Blues festivals Rory MacLeod.

There will be welcome return visits from Glasgow rockers Roost, The Charlie Morris Band from Florida, and Jimi Hendrix Re-Experienced act, who will be headlining the closing gig with a special dynamic set on what will be the 35th anniversary of Jimi’s death.

With only 6 ticketed events, the rest of the music is absolutely free, making this one of the best value events in the musical calendar!

Prior to becoming the creative driving force of Fleetwood Mac, Peter Green was a member of John Mayall’s Blues Breakers. Widely recognised as one of the most influential guitarists in music history, Peter was inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of Fame in 1998. It’s thought that he will be one of the biggest names ever to grace Orkney shores. Interest in his appearance has come from all over the world, with fans realising that this is a one-off opportunity to see a legend perform in such a unique setting.

An Orkney Blues festival Committee member said: “We are stunned and delighted that Peter Green has agreed to appear at this year’s Orkney Blues Festival as part of the British Blues All-Stars.

“We are well aware that he has politely declined offers from other larger events and indeed he hasn't performed in the UK for quite some time. With a mixture of good luck, hard work and dogged persistence we feel we have once again raised the musical bar by compiling our strongest ever line-up.”

This year the committee are planning a full day of workshops, talks and demos, with stalls, involving young bands, and musicians of all levels and abilities.

The spokesperson added: “The addition of our Blues Academy Day gives another exciting dimension to the weekend and is already generating considerable interest.”

Festival members receive a 30 per cent discount from NorthLink Ferries, if transport is booked through the Blues Festival. Members also receive free entry on festival buses, 10 per cent discount on merchandise, and priority tickets to all Blues Festival events – all for just £25.

To become a festival member, simply download a form from the website.

Tickets for all events are on sale now. For more information and details of the full festival programme log on to www.orkneybluesfestival.co.uk