The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival (Colne)

Get ready for three days of unforgettable music and community spirit in the charming East Lancashire town of Colne. From 28th to 30th August 2026, the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival transforms Colne — locally nicknamed 'Bonny Colne Upon The Hill' — into a blues lover’s paradise. Now in its 35th year, this award-winning celebration delivers soulful blues and R&B alongside folk, rock and Americana sounds. Over the bank holiday weekend, renowned UK and international artists will take the stage alongside thrilling new bands. Visitors can expect a vibrant programme of classic guitar riffs, powerful vocals and foot-tapping rhythms that keep the party going day and night.

Concerts happen at Colne’s atmospheric venues – from the beautifully restored Pendle Hippodrome Theatre to the historic Muni Theatre in the town centre. These stages host the headline shows, while the festival’s Fringe spills into pubs, bars and community halls across town. Wander along Market Street and through the side streets, and you’ll find dozens of free gigs and surprise jam sessions from afternoon until late. Pop into a friendly local pub to catch up-close performances by solo artists and bands – every corner of Colne pulses with live music during the festival.

And there’s more than just music on offer. The festival is family-friendly, so entertainers and activities abound for all ages. Street performers and face painters add colour to the streets, and craft stalls offer creative fun for the kids. Food lovers can sample local treats and international street foods at market stalls – think crispy fish and chips, gourmet burgers and sweet churros under the summer sky. Crowds of festival-goers relax in beer gardens and pop-up cafés between sets to soak up the atmosphere. If you stop at a pub garden or park stage, you might even find people line-dancing or singing along to classic blues anthems. With three full days of entertainment and friendly faces around every corner, Colne really comes alive with energy.

What truly sets this festival apart is its welcoming community spirit. Shop owners decorate their windows with blues-themed displays, and volunteers on colourful street corners greet newcomers with maps and festival info. Even if you’ve never been to a blues gig before, you’ll feel right at home among the friendly crowd. The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival is often hailed as one of the UK’s friendliest music weekends – offering world-class entertainment at exceptionally reasonable prices. With music pouring out of theatres, pubs and open-air spots, there’s a celebratory buzz everywhere, and fans keep coming back year after year.

So whether you’re a seasoned blues fan or just looking for a fun summer outing, there’s something for everyone. Pack your dancing shoes, gather your friends and family, and come experience the warm Lancashire hospitality alongside unforgettable performances. The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival in Colne is a genuine celebration of music, community and good times – a weekend you won’t want to miss!