MYSTERY surrounds the identity of the main headliner for the 2010 Ashburton Blues Festival.

But organisers of the festival, which runs from May 28-30, have revealed the names on the rest of the prestigious bill.

Organiser Michael Cranmer said the name of the headline act would be revealed at the end of February.

He said: "What we can say is that he is a major figure in British blues, and it is a great coup to be able to get him to play at the Ashburton Blues Festival."

Of the names announced so far, Mike Sanchez and his Big Band will headline the Sunday of the festival.

British singer, pianist and guitarist Sanchez is one of the most exciting and charismatic performers of R&B and rock 'n' roll in the world today.

Mike spent four years as a full-time member of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, fronting the band alongside Georgie Fame, Beverly Skeete, Albert Lee, Andy Fairweather-Low and Eddie Floyd on their annual world tours.

Mike has also performed alongside such soul legends as Ben E King, Percy Sledge and Sam Moore.

Headliners on the Friday will be Big Mac's Wholly Soul Band, who appeared as a support act last year and proved so popular that they are back as headliners for 2010.

A full ten-piece band, they feature a great brass section, girl backing singers, a driving rhythm section and the pint sized powerhouse Big Mac on lead vocals.

Support on the Saturday will come from John Whitehill who, after 20 years on the road as Paul Lamb's guitarist, took a career-break and retreated to his native Ashington. However, he has been persuaded to dust off his Strat and head for Ashburton!

Support on Friday will come from Thomas Ford and the Dirty Harmonys — a six-piece led by 24-year-old Ford and featuring  Vince Lee  and Al Wallis of The Wildcards.

Chicago Red will provide support on the Sunday, with Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan doing the honours on Saturday and Stompin' Dave's Electric Band on Friday.

Other acts signed up include Smokestack; the Denny Ilett Quartet featuring Andy Williamson; Mike Markey and Nick Jones and the King Roosters.

The main venue for the festival is Ashburton Town Hall, but there will be fringe gigs at other venues throughout the town.

Locations and timings will be announced soon.

All relevant information about ticket orders and accommodation can be found at www.ashburtonblues festival.com