The Blues are back…Colne set for a spectacular 35th Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival this weekend

Colne is getting ready to come alive with the sound of rhythm and blues this August Bank Holiday weekend as the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival returns for a very special 35^th anniversary celebration.

One of the biggest and best-loved events in Lancashire, the award-winning festival promises another unforgettable weekend of world-class live music, entertainment and a fantastic atmosphere throughout the town.

There is even more reason to celebrate in 2026, with the festival marking its 35^th anniversary after being inducted into the UK Blues Hall of Fame earlier this year.

This year’s festival is once again proudly sponsored by Barnfield Construction, which is supporting the event for the 13^th consecutive year. It is a landmark year for Barnfield too, as the company celebrates its own 50th anniversary.

An incredible line-up of some of the finest rhythm and blues talent from the UK and around the world will descend on Colne, with Walter Trout, Ray Beadle, Dom Martin, The Cinelli Brothers, Mike Sanchez and Lightnin’ Willie & The Poorboys among this year’s headline names.

A particularly special moment of the weekend will be a tribute to the legendary John Mayall, featuring Kyla Brox, Sonny Flint’s Beano Bluesbreakers and festival headliner Walter Trout.

Across the weekend, 50 artists will perform in the festival’s three main venues, The Pendle Hippodrome, The Muni Theatre and The Fort Vale Little Theatre, bringing an outstanding programme of live music right into the heart of Colne.

Festival Organiser Simon Shackleton said: “The festival is finally here, and we couldn’t be more excited. To be celebrating our 35^th anniversary, especially after entering the UK Blues Hall of Fame this year, makes this weekend incredibly special. We’re so proud of what the festival has become, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Colne for a brilliant weekend.”

Kyla Brox said: “I am absolutely over the moon and excited to be back, it’s my favourite festival and it always feels like I’m coming home.”

The music doesn’t stop at the main venues. The hugely popular Official Fringe begins on Thursday and runs right through to Monday, with more than 180 performances taking place across 17 venues around the town.

Colne’s streets will be buzzing too, with buskers performing throughout the weekend alongside a packed programme of family-friendly street entertainment. Festivalgoers can expect fairground rides, towering stilt walkers, giant games, face painting and plenty more as the whole town gets into the festival spirit.

The weekend also provides a fantastic opportunity to support Colne’s independent shops, pubs, cafés, restaurants and other businesses. Festival organisers Colne Town Council and Colne Blues Society have once again launched their #ShopLocal campaign, with more than 100 #ShopLocal posters being delivered to businesses across the town. The initiative is proudly sponsored by Peter Scott Printers.

Nathan Cutler, Events & Facilities Officer at Colne Town Council, said: “This is going to be an incredible weekend for Colne. The festival is one of the biggest events in Lancashire and brings thousands of people into the town, creating a fantastic atmosphere and providing a real boost for our local businesses. With the 35^th anniversary to celebrate, there is a real sense of excitement, and we can’t wait to see Colne packed with visitors enjoying everything the festival and the town have to offer.”

Festivalgoers will also be able to take home a souvenir from this landmark year, with official festival merchandise available throughout the weekend. This includes the official 2026 festival T-shirt and pin badge, as well as a special limited-edition 35^th anniversary pin badge.

There is still time to be part of the celebrations. Online ticket sales close at 6:45 pm on Wednesday, after which tickets will be available from the Colne Town Hall Box Office from Thursday and throughout the festival.

With full festival tickets, individual day tickets and afternoon and evening session tickets available, there are plenty of ways to experience this year’s event.

Get your tickets now at www.bluesfestival.co.uk/tickets/

The 2026 festival is proudly sponsored by Barnfield Construction, continuing their support of Colne’s thriving cultural and creative scene. Learn more here: www.barnfieldconstruction.co.uk