You could be forgiven for not having heard of Maryport before - it is at the mouth of the beautiful Solway Firth in Cumbria, right on the coast - but it has hosted nearly a dozen annual festivals previous to this one. The 2009 Maryport Blues Festival runs from Friday 24th July to Sunday 26th July and will feature prog-folk headliners Jethro Tull (Friday), 60's modfather of Blues John Mayall (Saturday) and Grammy-award legend Taj Mahal (Sunday) as well as soul songstress Ruby Turner. Another appearance has also been confirmed in the shape of local Battle of the Band winners Nine Lives who will open the weekend's events on the main stage at Midday on the Friday.

This is a family-friendly festival for everyone interested in quality blues and roots, and tickets start with a Weekender at £95 (+ booking) - this entitles the holder to attend both the Marquee acts plus the Trail performances elsewhere in the town (artists TBC). Daily tickets range from £35 for the Friday to £40 for the Saturday or the Sunday. So by buying the Weekender you save £20! And the price is held from 2008 prices! If you just fancy the Trail only then there is a £12 ticket to cover the weekend.

The Maryport website www.maryportblues.co.uk will explain how to get there but if you already know then click below to book your tickets now. Tull for £35 alone is worth the journey!