A “DREAM” line-up will be headed to Burnham’s brand new blues, roots and Americana music festival next week.

Blues at the Barns is being organised by musician and Burnham resident Tim Aves, who has hand-picked his “dream line-up” for the festival taking place at Creeksea Place Barns on May 7.

The writer and broadcaster has the aim of making the new festival the best one of its kind in the entire region of Essex.

Blues at the Barns will feature eight hours of non-stop live music on two stages, with the bill including US/Irish trio SPIKEdrivers, brilliant Maldon folksinger and songwriter David Hughes, acclaimed Californian roots/Americana musician Guy Tortora, and Mundon’s own Richard Townend.

Tim said: “The venue Creeksea Place Barns and the Parlour Cafe was actually the inspiration. Last year, I played at an event there, a fantastic, vibey day of music, food and drink.

“I looked around and thought it would be a great place to bring together some of my very favourite people from the more subtle side of the blues scene, with some great folk and Americana artists for good measure. Basically, that’s what we’re doing.

“All the acts are not only absolutely first- rate, but each is also a little bit different, off-the-wall and above all, highly entertaining. I’m just so excited about bringing together these great people, many of whom are also good friends.”

Tim is a well-known and influential figure on the UK blues scene, fronting Essex bands, Automatic Slim and Tim Aves & WOLFPACK.

He was also co-ordinator for RIVERfest, Burnham’s long-running and fondly-remembered annual festival of music and the arts, for 14 years in the 1990s and early 2000s. The festival takes place on Sunday May 7. Tickets are £20 (£7 for under-12s) and available online at www.parlourcafe.com.

Visit www.bluesatthebarns.moonfruit.com.