TICKETS are already selling fast for a popular music festival coming this spring.

The fourth Blues at the Barns in Burnham is filling up its places ahead of the big day on May 3.

The blues, folk and Americana festival announced it would be headlined by charismatic American singer-songwriter and guitarist Alvin Youngblood Hart, which prompted an early rush for tickets.

Alvin, who has worked with a huge range of blues and folk-roots names, tops a strong bill which also includes feisty female roots-rockers Dana Immanuel and the Stolen Band, Swedish/American singer and multi-instrumentalist Sofie Reed, Essex trio Joel Fisk and the Breakdown, jazz star Helen Watson and country-rockers the Bay Horse Boys.

Promoter Tim Aves said: “We decided to go for an American headliner with a bit of a name and it looks as if it’s paying off.

“Alvin Youngblood Hart is admired by a huge array of major artistes, such as Eric Clapton and Rolling Stone Mick Taylor.

“Everyone who comes along on May 3 will find out why.

“But the rest of the line-up is really strong, too – arguably the strongest since we started the festival in 2018.

“I’m particularly looking forward to seeing Dana Immanuel and the Stolen Band.

“Of course, a lot of people come to the festival not just for the music, but for the lovely setting and the laid-back vibe.”

The full line-up also includes Essex pagan folk group Morrigan’s Path, Kent-based duo Dave Ferra and Katie Bradley and – recalling the festival’s origins – singer and guitarist Ben Tyzack, whose band the Spikedrivers headlined the very first festival.

The night before the festival includes a performance by blues guitarist and singer Connor Selby and his band performing at the Queen’s Head, in Providence, Burnham.

A dedicated festival campsite at Creeksea will be open Saturday and Sunday nights, allowing festival-goers to make a weekend of it, by going to the Saturday gig and the Sunday event. Tickets cost £20 for adults and £7 for under-12s.

There is an additional ten per cent discount offered on advance tickets when buying four or more.

For more details, visit bluesatthebarns.moonfruit.com or call 01621 786503.