Van Morrison is a hugely popular singer-songwriter, who fronted the band Them, during the 1960s.

Before setting off on a successful solo career, he penned their seminal hit Gloria in 1964, which has since been covered by numerous bands and performers, including Robert Plant, who performed the towering tune at his Brewery Arts Centre gig in Kendal, circa 2000.

Belfast-born Van has legendary status in the annals of rock and other associated genres and became a particularly favourite of BBC2 The Old Grey Whistle presenter Bob Harris, a broadcasting icon himself.

And as far as albums go, Astral Weeks is probably Van's most celebrated classic; Brown Eyed Girl, one of his most popular selling singles.

One of music's most creative, prolific and popular figures, Van will headline the 9th Maryport Blues Festival, performing with his 11-piece band on the main marquee stage on Saturday, July 28.

I'm told that over the three-day festival, running from July 27-29, he will be supported by a superb mix of top international musicians from the US, UK, Australia and Italy performing the many types of music which fall under the blues umbrella encompassing zydeco, jazz, soul, and rock in addition to the traditional blues genres of Chicago, texas, and delta blues.

The Sunday's events will be headlined by zydeco superstar C. J. Chenier and his Red Hot Louisiana Band (US), who is widely acknowledged as the best living zydeco singer and accordionist.

Grammy nominee and critically acclaimed James Hunter (UK), renowned for his extraordinary soul voice and impassioned performances, will make a rare UK festival appearance on the Saturday.

Apparently, Van Morrison rates James as one of the best voices - and best-kept secrets - in British R&B and soul.

Also appearing will be the Holmes Brothers, who have the inspired musicianship and ability to perform sanctified gospel, low-down roadhouse blues, deep soul, Americana/country and pure pop - all in one set, and have recorded with such luminaries as Van the man,' Peter Gabriel, and Willie Nelson.

Joining the happy throng will be Harper, an award-winning Australian blues artist, known for his huge soulful vocals, unique harmonica performances and innovative original compositions. And that's not all; he also includes a didgeridoo when he's playing live From Milan to Maryport, Family Style will bring a touch of Italian blues to the festival. They're known for some of the best Chicago Blues, steamy shuffles, topped by awesome harp and dynamic licks. And they really know how to swing.

Also billed are Blues n' Trouble regarded as one of the best UK blues bands around. Formed in the early 1980s, they have toured and appeared with many blues greats, including B. B. King, Robert Cray, Pinetop Perkins, Charlie Musselwhite, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells and have notched up ten albums.

Another top British blues band, Out of the Blue, make their debut at the Maryport bash. Led by singer, guitarist and award-winning songwriter Kevin Thorpe, Out Of The Blue respect the blues tradition, but like to push out the boundaries and create a modern, thoroughly original sound that fuses jazz, rock and, of course, blues.

Also in the mega-melting pot will be Never the Bride, an all-female blues rock band, who Bob Harris, has deemed as "an absolutely brilliant British band." The gals are fronted by Nikki Lambourn whose vocal gymnastics have drawn comparisons with Janis Joplin, Tina Turner and former Stone the Crows' Maggie Bell, a dynamic singer whose song No Mean City, written by Mike Moran, is the theme music to ITV's crime drama Taggart.

Anyway, if that hasn't whet your appetite, there's more to come, as the complete festival bill has yet to be confirmed as well as the Friday headliner.

For the last eight years the main stage marquee has been next to the marina in Maryport. This year, due to construction work on the site, the main stage has been moved to the Netherhall Rugby Club grounds.

Tickets are available from the Carnegie Theatre Box Office, at Finkle Street, Workington, on 01900-602122 For further details of the blues and soul feast check the website www.maryportblues.com