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Bessie Smith
As far as space & time allow, we will endeavour to provide links to official and interesting sites plus listings and information services for Blues Music Festivals in the UK, Ireland and Worldwide.
If you have a site or know of a site that fits into this catagory, please send the url to us via email for inclusion.
UK & Ireland Blues Festivals
International Blues Festivals
Blues Festival & Events Listing & Search
Blues & Other Venues Listings
- Abbeyfest
jazz festival in South London includes blues music in the programme.
- Bentworth Blues Festival
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th August 2007 at The Star Inn, Bentworth, Alton, Hampshire. GU34 5RB. Acts include Sonny Black, Nicky Moore's Blues Corporation, The Guv'nors, plus others and a jam session on Sunday.
- Bishopstock Blues Festival
info, artists, workshops & talent tent.
- Blues at the Fort
Fort Purbrook, Portsdown Hill Rosd, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1BJ. Staged in a large marquee inside an historic fort on a hill overlooking Portsmouth, proceeds go to sports development and charities. This years festival is on the 14th and 15th September with The Blues Band, Eddie Martin Band, The Elevators, Nicky Moore's Blues Corporation, The Stumble, Storm Warning. Tickets are £20 available from Havant Arts Centre , phone 023 92 472 700.
- Blues on the Bay Festival
Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland - top names plus guitar and harmonica workshops.
- Blues on the Farm
annual festival plus regular events in Chichester, West Sussex.
- Boogaloo Promotions
annual Blues Festival at Bognor Regis (check out our Venues Links for info on their blues weekends and blues club).
- Brecon Jazz Festival
jazz & blues in Wales.
- Burnley (UK) National Blues Festival
held Easter Bank Holiday weekend in Burnley, Lancashire.
- Bushy's Big Wheel Blues Festival
Laxey, Isle of Man.
- Capital Blues Festival
held in May, Edinburgh, Scotland. Also organise several smaller events during the year.
- Castlebar Blues, Ireland
Community site has details of the Blues Festival held over the June Whit weekend.
- Chaine Music Folk & Blues Festival
New Folk & Blues Festival in Larne, N.Ireland. 17th - 19th August 2007 - headlining this year is the Son House Band!
- Chichester Real Ale and Jazz Festival
4 days of bands, artists and real ale held in July at Priory Park, Central Chichester, Sussex.
- Colne Blues Festival UK
The Great British Rhythm & Blues and street festival is held over the August Bank Holiday in Colne, East Lancashire.
- Dragon Blues Festival, Wales
R & B Festival.
- Dundee Blues Bonanza Scotland
The Annual Blues Roots & Rock'n'Roll Festival is an ALL DAY, ALL LIVE, ALL FREE event. Workshops, a talk on blues, performances hosted by venues across the city and outdoor performances.
- Free Arts Festival
Annual festival held during May in Newcastle upon Tyne includes all styles of music and drama.
- Future of the Blues Festival
Portcullis Pub, Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16. 1st & 2nd September 2007, Music starts at 12noon both days. Doors Open 11am both days.
- Get Down With The Blues
Annual outdoor blues festival held in Ireland. Organised by Downpatrick Blues and Roots Music Society
- Guisborough R&B Club
Blues Festival to be held on May 2nd 2004 at Guisborough, Cleveland
- Gloucester International Rhythm & Blues Festival
28 July - 5 August 2007 held in various indoor and outdoor venues includes various tutorials and workshops - see website for tutorial sign up forms and full festival details.
- Guildtown Bluegrass Festival
contact russell@ednet.co.uk
- Halifax Blues
held annually in February at Halifax Vandals R.U.F.C. The Club House, Warley, Halifax, West Yorkshire
- Hertford Music Festival
is an annual month long event hosted in outdoor and indoor venues around the area from April to May with various styles of original/covers major and new acts/bands including Blues. The organisers are currently seeking performers who would like to participate. Visit our Events section for more details and downloadable application forms or check out the Hertford Festival site.
- Hoddesdon Civic Center, Hoddesdon, Herts
hosts an annual blues festival held outdoors by the lake during the day and moving into the hall during the evening, includes a host of local and top acts plus an open jam in the afternoon.
- International Guitar Festival of Great Britain
annual February festival held in the Wirral, North England
- The Isle of Man Blues Festival UK
Held in May, in Laxey, Isle of Man.
- The Kirkby Blues Festival UK
Held in July, Ashfield, Midlands
- Kirkby Blues Festival
Live music in the Midlands
- Music for Africa UK
Music for Africa seeks to foster the international language of music within poor communities of South Africa by providing instruments and resources to teach staff in the primary and secondary schools. Various festivals and events are promoted, 1999 saw a blues festival, this year its the turn of jazz and world music at in Montacute, Somerset on July 19th 2003 (tbc)!
- Mumbles Mostly Jazz and Blues Festival
Held on 4th - 7th May 2007 in various venues in Swansea, Wales.
- Newcastle Blues Festival
held during February in Nottingham is now in its 3rd year and grown from one day to three!!
- Newcastle Jazz Festival
- Orange Evolution Festival
held during April to June at the Jumpin' Hot Club Live Theatre, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Orkney Islands Blues Festival UK
- Otley Black Sheep Folk Festival
Held during mid September in Otley, West Yorkshire
- Shetland Blues Festival
New 3 day blues festival in June.... local helpers welcome, visit the site's 'About Us' page for details.
- Swanage Blues Weekend
This three day event in Swanage, Dorset, includes acoustic room, workshops, jam sessions plus a variety of blues bands in various venues throughout the area.
- Tenby Blues Festival
Held for 3 days during November in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, this years event includes Alvin Youngblood Hart, Michael Roach, Otis Grand and many more.
- Thurrock Music Festival UK
Annual event for up and coming local and national bands performing everything from, Blues, Rock, UK Garage to Heavy Metal.
- Upton Blues Festival
forthcoming Free Blues Festival in Upton Upon Severn Worcestershire, held in pubs & venues throughout the area. Visit site for artist & venue information.
- Wickham FestivalA 4-day live music festival in a stunning rural setting featuring a mix of blues, rock, folk and world music artists including Jethro Tull and a Blues Night on Friday August 3 starring The Hamsters; Maggie Bell & The British Blues Quintet; and Hans Theessink. Please see the Festival website for further details. Day & weekend tickets available. Box Office 01329 231942 / 023 8071 1818
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- Aguas Blues Festival
Aguascalientes, Mexico. The biggest Blues Festival in Mexico.
- 6th Annual Blues 2000 and 1 Weekend Festival USA
premier blues event of the 2000 and 1 season.
- Bielefelder Blues Festival
East Westfalian
- Bluesapalooza Festival
in Covina, California
- Blues at the Crossroads
Annual blues festival held in September at Terre Haute, Indiana, USA.
- Blues By The Bay USA
Annual Salty Sea Days - Blues By The Bay.
- Blues Passions, Cognac, France
Blues Passions has more than one festival, promoting the Blues and the musics afro-américan with Blues concerts, conferences and exposures throughout the year.
- Bronze, Blues and Brews Festival USA
featuring Regional and National blues acts, micro-brews and bronze sculptures in Joseph, Oregon.
- Cigar Box Guitar Festival
The first of it's kind, celebrating the origins and music of the humble home made instruments produced in the US and played by hundreds of artists ranging from Blind Lemmon Jefferson to Jimi Hendrix!
- Cognac
4 days & 4 Nights of blues - en Francais!
- Copenhagen Blues Festival
The thirth annual Copenhagen Blues Festival vill take place in clubs in the center of Copenhagen from August 6 - 9, 2003
- Dallas Blues Festival & Art Fair
Star-studded line-up of world class blues artists and invited visual artists.
- Dobrofest
in Trnava, Slovakia
- East Coast Blues & Roots Music Festival
New South Wales Australia
- Estafette Blues Festival
Utrecht, Holland
- Fairbridge Festival Australia
Folk music festival held every April near Perth, Western Australia.
- Fargo Blues Festival USA
this 2-day annual festival held in August has both electric main stage and an acoustic blues stage for a myriad of blues artists plus a R&B gospel show Sunday Morning.
- Forth Valley Blues Festival Tasmania
Annual festival usually held in March.
- Frankston International Guitar Festival, Australia
Concerts, clinics, guitar expo, competitions in 5 days of blues, folk, rock, flamenco, country and classical guitar!
- King Biscuit Blues Festival
Annual festival held October in Helena, Arkansas, USA which includes blues, gospel and acoustic stages.
- Lite White Legends of Blues Festival, Australia
held annually during the third weekend of January in the heart of the NSW Snowy Mountains, Thredbo Alpine Village. Over 100 Blues artists from Australia and overseas performing in 15 venues throughout the village.
- Lowcountry Blues Bash, USA
Traditional and contemporary blues performed over 10 days in 15+ venues, many are free admission.
- Lucerne Blues Festival, Switzerland.
The blues is back in town!
- Montreux Jazz Festival
Annual festival held July in Montreux, France includes voice, piano and saxophone competitions.
- New York State Rhythm & Blues Festival
Annual event including various blues acts and jam sessions over 3 days in July. Syracuse, NY, USA.
- Notodden International Blues Festival
July-August, Notodden, Norway
- Open Strings
international guitar festival in Osnabruck, Germany
- Phoenix Blues Society's Blues Blast 2000
Arizona, USA
- Port Townsend Country Blues Festival USA
Centrum’s Port Townsend Country Blues Workshop provides an opportunity to hear pre-war classic styles to West African roots.
- Porretta Soul
Annual Blues and Soul Festival held in July in the town of Porretta, Italy. Past artists include Millie Jackson, Howard Tate, The Memphis All Star Rhythm & Blues Band, Solomon Burke, Carla Thomas, Jackie Johnson and many others.
- Regina Blues Festival
Annual blues festival that occurs in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada around beginning of March and lasts 2 or 3 days organised by the Regina Delta Blues Association.
- Ritzville Blues Festival USA
located 60 miles southwest of Spokane, WA cordons off the streets whilst electric music on the outdoor stage alternates with acoustic blues at six bar/restaurant locations in the town. An acoustical war jam session outside, followed by a bundle of bands makes a typical afternoon.
- Rogue Valley Blues Festival
Ashland, Oregon, USA, has a wide variety of music and entertainment.
- Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival
held at Salmon Arm, Shuswap, British Columbia, Canada every August (17th - 19th in 2007) plus events during the year. Three day annual Festival, held the third weekend in August in Central British Columbia, Canada. 60 artists perform on 7 stages (includes a Blues stage). Camping nearby. Family friendly.
- San Francisco Blues
The 31st annual festival is to be held on September 27-28, 2003 11a m - 6 pm each day Great Meadow, Fort Mason, San Francisco, USA and includes a free waterfront blues concert!
- Schleswig-Holstein Blues Festival
Northern Germany's largest Blues Festival held in July.
- TAC Wangarratta Festival of Jazz & Blues
North East Victoria, Australia. includes 90 events and over 350 national and international artists performing over 4 days each year. The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz also hosts the National Jazz Awards, Youth Jazz Workshops, Masterclasses and events throughout Wangaratta and surrounding wine regions.
- Tampa Bay Blues Festival
3 days of live blues music by the Bay held during April in Florida, USA
- Texas Stars & Guitars Festival
2nd Annual Texas Stars & Guitars Fest, May 27, 2006. Live music & awards! Blues - Country - Folk - Blue Grass - Acoustic Music & Singing. The event will be held at beautiful Lake Whitney State Park. "Our 2005 event was awesome!" For more information please visit our web-site.
- The Bluesfest International, Canada
has grown into Canada's premiere blues festival.
- The Toyota National Country Music Muster
A week long festival of music every August held at Amamoor Creek State Forest Park, Queensland, Australia.
- Thunder Bay Blues Festival
This years blues festival is planned for July 4th, 5th and 6th, 2003 at Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Universal Blues Festival, Australia
Held in November in Bridgetown, Western Australia.
- Untapped Blues and Brews Festival, USA
showcase event for microbreweries, microbrewed beer, blues music and wonderful food.
- Utrecht Blues Festival, Holland
The largest FREE outdoor blues festival in the Netherlands with 60 national and international bands and artists playing the blues on 40 indoor and outdoor stages.
- Waterfront Blues Festival,
Waterfront Park, Downtown Portland, Oregon, USA.
- Whangarei Jazz and Blues Festival - New Zealand
the annual festival kicks off in Whangarei, New Zealand.
- Wild Hog Music Festival & Motorcycle Rally
Helena, Arkansas April 25, 26 & 27, 2003 featuring John Kay and Steppenwolf.
- Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival
JULY 18, 19, 20, 2003, Winthrop, WA, USA
- Woodford Folk Festival, Australia
is an event of international standing held over six days & nights presenting more than 2000 Australian & International performers and 400 events including concerts, workshops, acoustic jams, history forums, late night cabarets and special events including a spectacular fire event.
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These sites provide blues/jazz festival/events/gig listings and search. Some also have directories for other genres of music. Click Here for links to other types of UK Music Festivals and full list of festival listings sites.
- The Blues Access
The most complete and detailed listing of U.S. blues festivals (plus a few out of country experiences) to be found anywhere.
- Blues & Stuff
Blues in the North West of England with information and links to blues sites, festivals and resources worldwide.
- Blues Festival Guide
Lists festivals across the USA, Canada, Europe and UK
- Blues Festival Listings
USA Large searchable database of Blues Festivals maintained by 305 Spin Blues.
- Efestivals
Free online UK music festival listings.
- Blues Festival Finder
Search for festivals throughout North America and Canada, view whats on monthly or browse the full listings for Alternative, Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun & Zydeco, Classical, Country, Eclectic, Folk, Jazz, Rock, Reggae & World Music
- Boogaloo Promotions
Organisers and promoters of various Blues and r&b events / weekends throughout the UK plus annual blues festival held at Farnham Maltings.
- Dutchman's Web Stop of Harmonica Blues
National blues jam directory.
- Fizgig guide
a welcome to blues in Lincolnshire
- Jam Session
Free contact service for musicians from all over the UK
- Kentgigs.com
Music in the best venues in Kent & E Sussex
- Mei Festivals
Main Events International organise several music and arts festivals throughout the year in Dallas and Irving, Texas, USA.
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