The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival – Uttoxeter, England 2026
Overview
The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival marks its 35th edition in 2026, transforming the charming town of Colne in East Lancashire into a blues haven over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Renowned as one of Europe’s premier blues events and a multiple award-winner, it delivers three days of electrifying live music across intimate indoor venues, spotlighting UK blues royalty alongside fresh emerging talents from local scenes and beyond. With over 50 acts in past years, the festival blends raw rhythm, soulful Americana, and rootsy grooves, drawing thousands of devoted fans for an unbeatable value experience that punches way above its weight.
Beyond the stages, the event fosters a full-town immersion through The Official Fringe, where pubs and clubs pulse with free-entry sets, while family-friendly entertainment adds a joyful layer to the holiday vibe. Organized by Colne Town Council and the Colne Blues Society, it celebrates community spirit in “Bonny Colne Upon The Hill,” offering a laid-back yet high-energy escape that honors blues heritage while pushing genre boundaries.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Soul-stirring sets from blues icons and rising stars across multiple stages, featuring guitar virtuosos, powerhouse vocalists, and band-led jams in genres spanning classic R&B, roots, and contemporary soul; past headliners like Matt Schofield and Kyla Brox set the tone for 2026’s diverse bill.
- Special traditions or features: The Official Fringe extending music into town pubs and clubs for free-entry discovery; weekend road closures creating a pedestrian paradise; family-oriented daytime fun alongside evening blues immersion.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Intimate indoor venues for close-up artist interactions; merchandise stalls and blues society exhibits; a tribute-style nod to legends like Victor Brox, blending nostalgia with fresh innovation.
About This Event
- Founded by the Colne Blues Society as a not-for-profit passion project, evolving into Europe’s largest self-funding community-based blues festival since its early 1990s inception.
- Held annually over the August Bank Holiday in Colne, East Lancashire, attracting over 30,000 attendees in recent years with a focus on authentic blues, roots, and Americana.
- Features three main paid venues for ticketed headline acts, plus The Official Fringe for free music across 20+ town spots, ensuring non-stop discovery.
- Organized by Colne Town Council with sponsorship from Barnfield Construction, Friends of the Festival, and Community Rail Lancashire for community integration.
- Showcases 50+ artists over three days, with no-clash scheduling in main halls; past lineups included tributes to figures like Victor Brox and debuts from festival-formed bands.
- Emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, with carer tickets and venue adaptations; promotes sustainability via recycling initiatives during the event.
- Includes camping at Colne & Nelson Rugby Club as an official site, doubling as a Roadhouse venue for extra sets.
- Official site: https://bluesfestival.co.uk/ for ticket bookings, updates, and newsletter sign-ups.
Why Attend
Diving into the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival 2026 means surrendering to the soulful thrum of live blues in a town that lives and breathes the genre, where every corner hums with unexpected jams and heartfelt solos that stir the spirit. It’s an affordable gateway to pure musical catharsis—wristband in hand, hopping between cozy venues for non-stop sets that blend timeless riffs with bold new voices, all wrapped in the warmth of a close-knit community that feels like family from the first chord.
This isn’t just a festival; it’s a blues pilgrimage that reignites your love for raw, rootsy sounds while fostering connections through shared sing-alongs and late-night fringes. In an era of fleeting gigs, attending here supports a grassroots legacy that’s weathered decades, delivering value-packed joy that leaves you recharged, humming classics, and already counting down to next year.
Date & Duration
- Dates: August 28 – 30, 2026.
- Duration: 3 days.
Venue / Location
- Main venue: Pendle Hippodrome, Albert Road, Colne BB8 0AQ, United Kingdom.
- Additional venues: The Exchange Project (New Market Street); Little Theatre (down cobbled side street off Albert Road).
- Notable areas: Tiered seating in Hippodrome for main acts; intimate acoustic stage in Little Theatre; fringe spots across town pubs like The Crown Hotel.
Ticket Information
- Tickets sold online via bluesfestival.co.uk and TicketSource, with phone bookings through Colne Town Council; new structure includes afternoon/evening sessions and day passes.
- Admission is paid for main venues; Official Fringe is free entry.
- Pricing in USD: $105–$175 per ticket (converted from GBP at approx. 1.30 USD/GBP, including fees).
- Minimum ticket pricing: $105 USD (early bird full festival ticket £80 GBP equivalent).
- Maximum ticket pricing: $175 USD (standard full festival with bundle or late day passes).
- Special seating or VIP options: Free carer tickets with proof (arrange via phone/email); wheelchair-accessible spots in all main venues; no formal VIP but priority for accessibility needs.
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Contact Information
- Email: admin@colnetowncouncil.org.uk (general inquiries); organiser@colnebluessociety.org.uk (artist enquiries); adam@scottdawson.co.uk (press).
- Phone: +44 1282 861888 (Colne Town Council, English available).
- Website: https://bluesfestival.co.uk.
- Social Media: @colnebluesfestival (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram).
- Key Staff: Colne Blues Society (artistic directors); Colne Town Council team.
- Press/Volunteers: Email adam@scottdawson.co.uk (press); volunteer info via admin@colnetowncouncil.org.uk (TBD for 2026).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Manchester Airport (MAN, 45 miles, 1 hour drive via M65); Leeds Bradford (LBA, 35 miles, 50 minutes); Liverpool (LPL, 55 miles, 1.25 hours).
- Public transport: Trains to Colne station (Northern Rail from Manchester/Preston, last mile walk or taxi); buses via Stagecoach from Burnley or Skipton.
- River bus: Not applicable; town is inland but canal walks nearby.
- Driving and parking: End of M65 motorway (easy access from all directions); free parking in most town car parks over weekend (Red Lion closed Thu-Mon); postcode BB8 0AQ for sat nav; drop-off points available.
- Taxis/Uber: Local cabs from stations ($15–$25 USD); limited Uber but reliable for short hops.
- Cycling/walking: Pedestrian-friendly town center; bike racks at venues; Hop On Hop Off bus for hill access during festival.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Travelodge Colne (0.5 miles, from $70/night, basic rooms with free parking and WiFi).
- Mid-range: The Old Grammar School (0.3 miles, from $100/night, historic B&B with breakfast and festival views).
- Boutique: Pendant Hotel (0.2 miles, from $140/night, cozy rooms with en-suite and pub proximity).
- Luxury: Best Western Plus Lancashire Manor Hotel (3 miles in Whalley, from $180/night, spa facilities and shuttle options).
- Aparthotels: Self-catering cottages via Visit Pendle (various locations, from $120/night, inspected to national standards with kitchens).
- Additional tips: Official camping at Colne & Nelson Rugby Club (0.7 miles, $50–$120 USD passes); book via visitpendle.com for deals; many B&Bs offer blues packages with early check-in.
Reviews
- What a gem—intimate venues packed with killer blues acts, felt like front-row everywhere without the hassle.
- Fringe scene stole the show, hopping pubs for free sets till late; town’s vibe is pure magic for music nuts.
- Affordable bliss with top talent and friendly crowds; left hoarse from cheering but heart full of soul.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
When will the 2026 lineup be announced?
The 2026 lineup is expected to drop in early 2026, building on 2025's stellar bill of 52 acts like Beaux Gris Gris and When Rivers Meet—sign up for the newsletter on bluesfestival.co.uk for first alerts. Historically, announcements come quarterly, teasing headliners first via socials and email blasts to build hype. Expect a mix of returning favorites, UK debuts, and local gems across blues, roots, and soul, all curated by the Colne Blues Society for genre depth. Past years featured tributes like Victor Brox specials, so anticipate nods to legends too. Full reveals include stage splits for main venues and Fringe previews. It's designed to spotlight emerging talent alongside icons, ensuring fresh discoveries every edition—stay tuned for that electric reveal.
How do tickets work for carers or accessibility needs?
Carer tickets are free with proof (like Access Card or letter) for every paid ticket—call +44 1282 861888 or email admin@colnetowncouncil.org.uk to arrange matching wristbands pre-event. All main venues offer wheelchair access: Pendle Hippodrome via lift from Derby Arms entrance, Little Theatre on one level (cobbled approach, carer advised), and Exchange Project with external portable disabled toilet. Assistance dogs welcome—notify in advance for smooth entry. Quiet zones and BSL options available on request; feedback shapes annual improvements. This setup ensures inclusivity without compromising the intimate blues vibe, letting everyone groove worry-free.
What's included in a full festival ticket?
A full festival ticket ($105–$130 USD early bird) grants entry to both main venues (Pendle Hippodrome and Exchange Project) for all three days, covering 50+ acts with no-clash scheduling for seamless hopping. It doesn't include Fringe (free anyway) or camping—add those separately via site. New session tickets let you pick afternoons or evenings for flexibility, while day passes ($50–$70 USD) cover one day's mains. Bundles with merch ($150 USD) save on tees or hoodies. Refunds only for full cancellations (fees apply); artists may change without compensation due to festival nature. It's the best value for total immersion, working out under $3 USD per band.
Where can I camp or stay nearby?
Official camping is at Colne & Nelson Rugby Club (Holt House, Harrison Drive, BB8 9SF, 0.7 miles from venues), with passes from $50 USD (small tent Thu-Tue) to $120 USD (camper full stay)—book via ticketsource.co.uk; no festival entry included, security and cleaning on-site. Dogs allowed, catering available, but no electric pitches or reservations for spots. For hotels, Visit Pendle lists inspected options like B&Bs from $70/night; prioritize town center for walkability. No on-site glamping, but nearby self-catering cottages offer kitchens for groups. Festival shuttle or Hop On Hop Off bus eases access; book early for Bank Holiday rush to lock in blues-ready digs.
Are there road closures or parking tips?
Yes, for safety: Albert Road (Crown Hotel to Market Street) closes 5pm–2am Fri, then 10am–2am Sat/Sun; New Market Street (pre-Hippodrome) from noon Fri–2am Mon—plan pedestrian routes via Google Maps on contact page. Most car parks free over weekend (Red Lion closed Thu 6am–Mon 6pm); ample spots town-wide, first-come. M65 end makes driving easy—no congestion charge. Taxis from Colne station ($10–$15 USD) or buses ideal if ditching wheels. Festival promotes green travel with rail partners; arrive early for prime parking near venues to minimize hill walks and maximize set time.
