From sporting legend to Blackburn festival organiser.

Andy Gregory has graced the pitches at Wembley, Old Trafford and Anfield during his sparkling rugby league career.

And now he is set to light up Ewood Park, but in a very different role.

The Great Britain legend is the driving force behind SummerFest, bringing 80s music icons such as Boy George, to Blackburn in May.

Andy Gregory is a rugby league legend. Signing on with Widnes at 17 led him to play for Wigan, Warrington, Leeds and Great Britain during a glittering career from 1979 to 1995.

The rugby star's multiple performances, 13 times in Australia and five in New Zealand awarded him best scrum half in the World in 1988.

Gregory is a remarkable sportsman. He recalls a time at Anfield Stadium when fans claimed he refused to touch the Anfield sign because he was a Manc. “No” he simply says. “It’s because I’m five-foot-four, I couldn’t reach the thing.”

Celebrating his 60th Birthday last year, Gregory realised his mother still lived in the same house where he was born, in Lower Ince, Wigan.

All the Gregorys still live in Wigan, the community remains very important to Andy.

Turning down many opportunities to coach professional teams, Andy has coached local teams for 15 years. Recently returning to his roots, he was appointed head coach of the Wigan St Patrick’s, the junior team where his rugby career began.

Andy says, “Yes, I’m successful and I’ve played in some good teams, but I’m just a Wigan lad really. Now I’m a proud part of a team called Summerfest”

But how does a Wigan born professional rugby player come to organise a 30,000-capacity summer festival in Blackburn?

For years Andy and business partner Tony Baldwin have been organising sporting events with the likes of professional boxers Frank Bruno and Ricky Hatton.

But the two decided to branch out and put a gig on in Wigan.

Complications in Wigan meant they were left without a venue for two years.

Eventually the Blackburn Rovers saved the day with Ewood Park. Andy says, “They have been absolutely tremendous. Me and Tony cannot wait to work with them.

"We want to fill the stadium, the hotels, the pubs and for everyone to have a good time” Andy says. “We want people coming out with big smiles on their faces saying, ‘I’ll be coming back next year.”