A WEEKEND of blues, folk and musical fun for all the family awaits visitors to the Harwich Festival.

Veterans of the British blues scene, Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion, take the stage for the first live concert at the Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre on Main Road today at 7.30pm.

Blue Commotion have a string of acclaimed CDs and numerous accolades behind them and are one of the most sought-after acts on the British and continental club and festival circuit.

Fronted by singer Zoe Schwarz and guitarist Rob Koral, they were regularly featured on Paul Jones’ Radio 2 rhythm and blues show.

The former Manfred Mann and current Blues Band singer described them as “a great band – terrific musicians, all four of them”.

For their Harwich Festival performance, Blue Commotion will be showcasing a special blues and jazz revue, which will not only feature the band in full high-octane flight, but more intimate soulful duets between Zoe and Rob and a track or two from Rob’s recent electric instrumental trio album Wild Hearts, recorded during lockdown.

Simon Ashley, from the Harwich Festival programming committee, said: “Blue Commotion are blues power to the very core.

“We are delighted they have agreed to play for us at the festival and it promises to be a red hot, as well as blue, night.

“Tickets unfortunately are limited because of Covid-19 restrictions so we advise everyone to check the festival website at harwichfestival.com for last-minute availability.”

Tomorrow, folk duo Mambo Jambo will be presenting their joyful mash-up of roots styles - not once, but twice.

At 1pm, they will be conducting a free workshop in the bandstand on Cliff Park, Dovercourt, for primary school children.

Then, at 7.30pm they too will be unveiling their unique rich and lively take on various world and folk music styles in a performance at the Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre.

Harwich Festival’s Andy Schooler said it promises to be “a fabulous, upbeat musical treat” on an intriguing array of instruments.

He added: “Pete and Frankie have been gathering admirers at shows and festivals the length and breadth of the country.

“They have played gigs in Havana, toured France, Ireland and Sweden, and performed at jazz and folk festivals in Borneo and Portugal -- not to mention the odd gig in a train, on a barge, in a yurt, double-decker bus or clipper ship.”

For more information, go to harwichfestival.com.