“Mods set to invade Colne” says the Lancashire Telegraph

A MOD invasion is set to hit Colne next summer with the first North by North West Festival.

The two-day event based around Colne Muni has been organised by Pendle Leisure Trust and Doc Redeye Events.

Headlining the festival will be founder member of The Jam, Bruce Foxton and From the Jam, and the ever-popular Bad Manners led by Buster Bloodvessel.

It promises to be a celebration of all things Mod with some top bands playing live, leading DJs on the decks and a special cavalcade of scooter clubs from around the region on the Saturday afternoon. The organisers have teamed up with the Cheeky Northern Monkeys Scooter Club who will be heading to Colne for their annual celebration weekend and linking up with other local scooter clubs along the way for a rally featuring some vintage Vespas and Lambrettas.

They will be joined by Mini lovers from across the North West who will be joining in the fun by bringing both classic and new Minis to the event The full Friday night line-up at the Muni sees From the Jam being supported by two of the up-and-coming bands on the Mod scene, the 45s and The Universal.

Carlisle-based The 45s were last in Colne for the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival over the August bank holiday weekend when they were joined on stage by Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilco Johnson who presented them with one of his own limited edition Fender Telecaster guitars.

The Saturday line-up features Accrington Mod outfit The Itch, who this year celebrate 20 years together, tribute band the Small Fakers who play the music of the Small Faces and The Kast Off Kinks featuring former members of the Kinks including the band’s original drummer Mick Avory.

Completing the line-up are Steve Ellis’ Love Affair, best known for the hit single Everlasting Love and Bad Manners, one of the great showbands with hits such as Lorraine, Lip Up Fatty and Special Brew.

For details of the festival weekend including the Mini and scooter rally and camping with the Cheeky Northern Monkeys go to www.nbnwfestival.com  Special early day ticket offers are available now until Friday, February 28. For details, contact the Muni box office on 01282 661234.