AS IN Newcastle, where folk and rock bands have been increasingly infiltrating the bill since the Jazz And Blues Festival's inception, Crewe's Volume Festival, now renamed and in its second year, is already developing into something of a hybrid too.

While its focus remains indie rock, the 2009 line-up promises to be an eclectic mix.

The opening act on Thursday, will be all-girl pairing Sahreal in Bar 22 in Mill Street from 8pm.

Classically trained, Sahreal are two Newcastle-based sisters who have won over audiences with their delicate harmonies and powerful lyrics.

Rachel, aged 19, attends the Royal Northern College of Music, and Sarah, aged 17, is a student at St Joseph's. Up against 10,000 contestants, they last year reached the final of the national Live And Unsigned competition.

An hour later, at 9pm, Chris Helme, above, will perform a solo set in Square One. Chris was the frontman of John Squire's post-Stone Roses project, Seahorses, whose debut album Do It Yourself topped the charts in 1997.

After three years on tour, including with The Rolling Stones, U2, Oasis, and Beck, the band called it a day in 1999.

Having taken time out, Chris returned with his first solo album Ashes last year.

He says: "The Seahorses was a fantastic apprenticeship, and I'd never change those years.

"But I started playing music because I wanted to emulate the artists I grew up listening to - Neil Young, Van Morrison, the Velvet Underground and at the end of the day I didn't feel we were achieving that.

"The last year recording Ashes has been fantastic, but I'm really looking forward to the freedom to do what I want with these live shows."

Rounding off the first night's entertainment, at 10pm in The Box, will be a set from Crewe-based rock covers band Mutha Humbucker.

Formed in the early part of 2006 they have a reputation for their fun-loving approach as well as their technical capabilities. They have earned themselves a loyal following playing hits from Bon Jovi to Aerosmith and Green Day.

The Volume Festival will feature more than 70 bands across eight venues in Crewe, and will run over the Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday, May 21, to Monday, May 25.

For more on the Newcastle Jazz & Blues Festival, see Page 31