The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival celebrates 35 years with an award-winning line-up and blues legends set for Colne

Some of the biggest names in international blues are heading to Colne this August as the award-winning Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival celebrates its landmark 35th anniversary with an exceptional programme of world-class live music.

Taking place across the August Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th August, the festival will welcome more than 50 artists from across the UK and around the world to three venues in the heart of Colne – the Pendle Hippodrome, the returning Muni Theatre and The Little Theatre.

The announcement comes after the festival was crowned UK Blues-Based Festival of the Year at the 2026 UK Blues Federation Awards for the second consecutive year. The latest accolade also secured the festival’s place in the UK Blues Hall of Fame, marking a remarkable achievement for one of the country’s longest-running blues festivals.

Leading an outstanding programme of headline performances is blues-rock icon Walter Trout. With a career spanning more than five decades, the American guitarist remains one of the most respected and electrifying performers in modern blues. His appearance promises to be one of the highlights of the festival’s anniversary celebrations on Sunday 30thAugust.

Walter will also lead a very special tribute to the late John Mayall, widely regarded as the godfather of British blues. The Sunday evening celebration will honour the legendary founder of the Bluesbreakers and mentor to generations of iconic guitarists, with performances from Walter, acclaimed British blues singer Kyla Brox and Sonny Flint’s Beano Bluesbreakers.

Belfast guitar sensation Dom Martin & Band will headline the Pendle Hippodrome on Friday evening. Widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in contemporary blues, the multi-award-winning UK Blues Hall of Fame artist has earned widespread acclaim for his soulful songwriting, stunning guitar work and unforgettable live performances.

Saturday night sees Australian blues star Ray Beadle make his festival debut. A multiple Australian Blues Award winner and Hall of Fame inductee, Beadle has built an international reputation for his exceptional musicianship, soulful vocals and captivating stage presence, following a hugely successful first UK tour in 2025.

The 2026 festival also marks the welcome return of The Muni Theatre as a festival venue for the first time since 2022, reuniting the event with a theatre that played host during its very first festival in 1990.

Headlining The Muni Theatre on Friday is British rhythm and blues favourite Mike Sanchez & His Band. Renowned for his explosive piano playing and infectious performances, Sanchez has enjoyed an international career spanning more than 40 years and has performed alongside artists including Jeff Beck, Bill Wyman, Imelda May and Albert Lee.

Saturday night’s headline performance comes from American bluesman Lightnin’ Willie & The Poorboys. The two-time Southern California Blues Challenge winner has become renowned for his stylish blend of traditional blues, swing and soul, delighting audiences across the globe with his effortless musicianship and irresistible groove.

Bringing the curtain down on The Muni Theatre on Sunday is one of Britain’s leading blues-rock performers, Danny Bryant. His acclaimed latest album, Nothing Left Behind, has been praised for its heartfelt songwriting and powerful performances, cementing Bryant’s reputation as one of Europe’s finest blues artists.

The Little Theatre Acoustic Stage will once again showcase an outstanding programme of intimate performances throughout the weekend, with headline appearances from Kevin Brown, The Delta Aces and the Sean Taylor Trio.

This year’s programme also features some of the biggest names currently making waves on the blues scene, including 2026 UK Blues Award winners. Blues Instrumentalist of the Year Will Wilde will perform at The Muni Theatre on Saturday evening, while Acoustic Blues Act of the Year Mississippi MacDonald appears at The Little Theatre on Friday night.

The festival continues its proud tradition of supporting homegrown talent, with local artists including Steely Don, Ross Munro and Tadhg Bean-Bradley also appearing across the weekend.

Festival Organiser Simon Shackleton said: “We’re incredibly proud of the line-up we’ve put together for our 35th anniversary. We’ve worked extremely hard to bring some of the very best artists from the UK and around the world to Colne and I genuinely believe this is one of our strongest programmes yet.

“We have incredible headline acts across all three days, some fantastic tributes celebrating the history of blues, and a brilliant mix of international stars, award winners and local talent. We can’t wait to welcome everyone for what promises to be a very special weekend.”

Nathan Cutler, Events and Facilities Officer at Colne Town Council, added: “The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival is one of Colne’s flagship events, and we’re delighted to welcome visitors from across the UK and beyond back to the town. It’s a fantastic celebration of live music that brings a real buzz to Colne over the Bank Holiday weekend while showcasing everything our town has to offer. We’re looking forward to another unforgettable festival.”

Tickets for the 35th anniversary festival are selling fast, with a range of options available including full weekend tickets, full day tickets, afternoon sessions and evening tickets.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.bluesfestival.co.uk/tickets/

Festival camping is also available at Colne & Nelson Rugby Club for tents, caravans and motorhomes, with both full weekend and individual night options available. The campsite offers excellent facilities including hot showers, toilets, food and drink, as well as a shuttle bus service operating throughout the festival weekend. Camping can also be booked 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