Speaking at today’s Press launch at Number 25, on South Tay Street, festival organiser Bob Telford said, “We’re delighted to have a big international star like Bob Hall with us for the bonanza.

“He’s played with every black American bluesman over the last 20 years, plus The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac. He’s the quiet man of the music business, but very fit, still playing, and an absolute gentleman.

“We’re also happy Nikolaj can be here. He’s a one man band from Denmark and plays wonderful Nordic hill country music, with foot drums, his own homemade open tune guitars and weird — but awesome — electric violin. These guys from Scandinavia have a really different slant on the blues.”

Detroit bluesman Robert Penn — who has played with legends including BB King and Aretha Franklin — also flew in today, and will play Deja Vu from 9.30 tonight, and also feature in Sunday’s end of bonanza party at Fat Sams, from 8pm.

The programme proper kicked off this afternoon, with Anderson and fellow Scandinavian act The Croaking Lizards performing live for shoppers in the Wellgate Centre.

The festival, which is supported by the Evening Telegraph, is the largest free blues, boogie, rock and roots festival in the UK, and enjoys a fantastic reputation both nationally and internationally. It will bring an extra 10,000 revellers to the streets of the city over the weekend, with more than 130 acts playing over three days, and across more than 30 city centre venues.

Half the profits from the festival will be donated to Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre at Ninewells Hospital.

More details, including a full event programme, is available online at www.dundeebluesbonanza.co.uk.