I know you’re going to be bored if I don’t post and tell you where to go haha!! So wait!! Have a look at those amazing Blues Festival and make it swing in your Travel Calendars!!
1. The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival (UK)
Located in Colne, East Lancashire, this festival has been going strong for decades. It takes over the town during the August Bank Holiday weekend and offers several venues across town (pubs, halls, outdoor stages).
Why it stands out:
- It showcases both established blues acts and emerging UK talent
- The “official fringe” component means you get live music all over town—giving it a community/local-feel rather than purely commercial
- It’s timed for a long weekend, making it viable for travel + stay
Good to know: Bring comfortable shoes (lots of venue changes), check accommodation early, and be ready for an immersive town-wide experience.
2. Upton Blues Festival (UK)
Held in Upton-upon-Severn (Worcestershire) every July, this festival has blossomed from modest beginnings to one of the UK’s favorite blues events.
Why it stands out:
- It uses the charm of a small riverside town — music in pubs, on outdoor stages, mingled with the local ambiance.
- It has educational outreach (workshops, youth programs) and a community component.
Good to know: If you prefer a more relaxed, intimate festival rather than huge crowds, this is a strong pick.
3. Notodden Blues Festival (Norway / Europe)
Crossing into Europe, Notodden in Norway hosts one of the largest dedicated blues festivals on the continent.
Why it stands out:
- It emphasizes quality over pure size, offering both large concerts and smaller club shows, seminars and a deep blues culture.
- The setting in Norway adds scenic and atmospheric appeal.
Good to know: Travel logistics may require more planning (flights, local transport) but the payoff: a strong blues-experience in a beautiful locale.
4. Holland International Blues Festival (Netherlands / Europe)
Located in Grolloo, the Netherlands, this festival continues to build its reputation in Europe.
Why it stands out:
- Strong international line-up, combining roots/blues authenticity with a European festival vibe.
- The “Blues Village” concept in a rural setting makes for a more relaxed, immersive experience.
Good to know: If you’re happy to travel farther, this gives you access to a slightly different blues culture than the UK scene.
✅ How to Choose the Right Festival For You
Here are some tips to help you pick the festival that fits your style:
- Size & Crowd: Do you prefer large outdoor stages with tens of thousands, or smaller, more intimate venues where you’re close to the performers?
- Locale & Travel: Consider distance, travel cost, accommodation. A festival in a remote or rural setting might be more expensive to reach but could be more relaxed.
- Line-up & Style: Check the artists. Are you into classic blues or blues-rock, soul-blues, or more experimental?
- Extras: Workshops, fringe venues, town involvement—these add depth to the experience.
- Atmosphere: Some festivals lean party-camping, others lean laid back. Decide what you want.
📝 Blues Music will not die!! Check the 2026 Prog!
Whether you pick the local charm of Upton, the big-town feel of Colne, or head overseas to Norway or the Netherlands—there’s a festival out there ready to give you exactly the music, the vibe, and the moment you need!
And book your tickets!!
1. Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival (UK – Scotland)
- Dates: 10–19 July 2026
- Why it’s worth it: A rich programme of blues and jazz across city venues plus outdoor events in the heart of Edinburgh
- Tip: Staying in the city means you can combine festival nights with sightseeing and other cultural events.
2. Holland International Blues Festival (Netherlands)
- Dates: 19 & 20 June 2026.
- Why it’s worth it: A tight two-day experience in the rural “Blues Village” setting of Grolloo, with strong international lineup.
- Tip: Two days only means less logistical overload; book accommodation early in a small town.
3. The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival (UK – Colne, Lancashire)
- Dates: Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2026.
- Why it’s worth it: Long-established festival with lots of fringe venues around town, giving a community feel rather than just “big stage”.
- Tip: Because it’s over the August Bank Holiday, accommodation and travel may fill fast — plan early.
4. Arran Rock ’n’ Blues Festival (UK – Isle of Arran, Scotland)
- Dates: Friday 1 to Sunday 3 May 2026.
- Why it’s worth it: More intimate, family-friendly festival in a scenic island setting.
- Tip: Check ferry or travel connections to the Isle of Arran in advance.
5. Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival (UK – Birmingham, England)
- Dates: Confirmed for 24 July to 2 August 2026.
- Why it’s worth it: A larger city festival with multiple venues, offering flexibility and variety.
- Tip: Because it sprawls across many venues, check the programme in advance so you catch the blues acts you most want.
6. Sierre Blues Festival (Switzerland)
- Dates: For 2025, the edition was held 12–14 June.
- Note: The exact 2026 dates are not yet clearly listed in my sources, but this festival has a consistent history and is strongly recommended for planning.
- Why it’s worth it: A scenic Swiss blues event with strong vibes and high quality music.
- Tip: Even though 2026 date isn’t clearly listed, you can follow updates and plan travel to Switzerland accordingly.
7. Blues Festival Baden (Switzerland)
- Dates: 23–31 May 2026.
- Why it’s worth it: Multi-day festival in Switzerland’s Baden, with strong heritage in blues.
- Tip: Because it spans many days, you might pick a subset of days rather than the full stretch if you have limited time.
8. Cement Blues Festival (Norway)
- Dates: 15–19 July 2026.
- Why it’s worth it: Positioned in northern Norway — for a truly adventurous festival experience in a dramatic setting.
- Tip: Make extra time for travel and accommodation, as remote sites often need more logistics.
9. European Blues Challenge 2026 (Katowice, Poland)
- Dates: 16–18 April 2026.
- Why it’s worth it: A competition-style event bringing blues acts from across Europe — different flavour from big-stage festivals, more discovery and emerging talent.
- Tip: Good option if you’re interested in less-well-known acts and want a more intimated, focused blues experience.
10. Slow Town Blues Fest (Turin, Italy)
- Dates: From a calendar listing: 1–3 May 2026.
- Why it’s worth it: Smaller scale, European-Italian setting, which could make it a quieter, more immersive festival choice.
- Tip: Combine with a visit to Turin for culture/food + festival. Good for a later-spring trip.
🧭 At-a-Glance
| Festival | Location | Dates (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival | Scotland, UK | 10–19 July |
| Holland International Blues Festival | Netherlands | 19–20 June |
| The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival | Colne, Lancashire, UK | 28–30 August |
| Arran Rock ’n’ Blues Festival | Isle of Arran, Scotland | 1–3 May |
| Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival | England, UK | 24 July – 2 August |
| Sierre Blues Festival | Switzerland | (June – dates tbc) |
| Blues Festival Baden | Baden, Switzerland | 23–31 May |
| Cement Blues Festival | Kjøpsvik, Norway | 15–19 July |
| European Blues Challenge | Katowice, Poland | 16–18 April |
| Slow Town Blues Fest | Turin, Italy | 1–3 May |
🏆 UK Blues Awards 2025 — Top 20 Nominees
- Alfold Rock & Blues Festival
- Black Deer Festival
- Broadstairs Blues Bash
- Broomfield Blues
- Buxton Blues
- Callander Jazz & Blues Festival
- Carlisle Blues / Rock Festival
- Hallelujah Blues Festival Hartlepool
- Linton Festival
- Looe Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival
- Old Bush Blues Festival
- Summertime Blues Festival Emsworth
- Swanage Blues Festival
- Tenby Blues Festival
- The Dereham Blues Festival
- The Ealing Blues Festival
- The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival Colne
- UK Blues Rhythm & Rock Festival Blackpool
- Whitby Blues Festival
- York Blues Festival
POSITIVE SOCIAL IMPACT - Where Growth & Soulful collaborations happen 