The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival is set to return to Colne, featuring a diverse lineup of blues artists from around the world. Festival-goers can enjoy live music across multiple venues and support local businesses through a Shop Local campaign.
Colne is set to welcome thousands of visitors as it prepares for the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival. The award-winning festival returns from Friday, August 22, to Sunday, August 24.
With a line-up featuring blues artists from the UK and beyond, the festival will include performances by When Rivers Meet, Beaux Gris Gris and The Apocalypse. International acts such as Johnny Mullenax and The Paul Benjaman Band are also scheduled to perform.
Simon Shackleton, festival organiser, said: "This year’s line-up is a true celebration of blues in all its forms, from classic roots to modern twists. We’ve brought together some of the most exciting and authentic artists on the scene today, both from the UK and overseas. Whether you’re a lifelong blues fan or just discovering the genre, there’s something here that will move you. It’s going to be an incredible weekend of live music." Performances will take place across three main venues: the Pendle Hippodrome, The Exchange Project Stage, and The Fort Vale Little Theatre Acoustic Stage.
The event also includes a Shop Local campaign, sponsored by Peter Scott Printers, encouraging visitors to support independent businesses during the festival. Cllr Mary Thomas, chair of Colne Town Council, said: "The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival is more than just a music event, it’s a celebration of Colne’s identity. It brings the whole town together and puts us on the international stage. The energy, the diversity, the sense of community, it’s something we’re incredibly proud of." Colne Town Council has organised a hop-on, hop-off bus service between the festival campsite and the town centre.
Family-friendly entertainment includes fire-breathers, stilt-walking Blues Brothers, face painting, and a 360-degree photo booth. Other bands playing at the festival include: Alice Armstrong, Brave Rival, Norman Watt-Roy, Kyla Brox, and Blue Nation. For full event details and ticket information, visit the festival website.
Published on 22 August 2025 by UKFG
