After reading about London's music-scene under serious threat of imploding - closures of key mid-range venues such as The Half Moon (reprieved), the iconic 100 Club (reprieved) and, more recently, the Bloomsbury Ballroom (closed) hogged a few column-inches at least and let's not forget the end of the BBC Electric Proms - it's great to tell you about something positive.

A brand new music festival is set to help put London firmly back on the international events map, mainly due to the heavyweight artists [let's not get personal, eh? -Ed] involved in this inaugural event. Running from 27th June until 3rd July with performances scattered across the city (and not just the centre), BluesFest London 2011 will follow in the footsteps of countries with similarly-named events, namely Australia (NSW) and Canada (Ottawa), presenting big trans-global stars from blues, jazz and roots genres.

Highpoints include BB King appearing at the Royal Albert Hall on 28th June (tickets on sale now, priced from £42.50 - £65), [though many of the top-priced tickets are now sold-out - Ed] Dr John giving it 'voodoo' at Under The Bridge on 1st July, Ray Gelato the sax-master at Bush Hall on 2nd July and Martin Taylor plucking a rare set at the 100 Club on 30th June. We'll keep you informed of further artist and ticket information as we get it.