Colne's Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival enters UK Blues Hall of Fame

Colne’s much-loved Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival has officially secured its place in the UK Blues Hall of Fame after winning its third UK Blues Award at a prestigious ceremony held in Milton Keynes on Wednesday evening.

The festival was crowned ‘Blues Based Festival of the Year’ for the second consecutive year, having also previously claimed the title in 2019.

This remarkable achievement marks a hat-trick of wins and cements the festival’s legacy among the UK’s most celebrated blues institutions, joining esteemed names such as Elles Bailey, Dom Martin and Cerys Matthews in the Hall of Fame.

Organised by Colne Town Council in partnership with the Colne Blues Society, the 2025 edition of the festival proved another resounding success, drawing thousands of visitors to the town.

Sponsored by Barnfield Construction, audiences were treated to an outstanding line-up across the weekend, with headline performances from Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse, When Rivers Meet and Gerry McAvoy’s Band of Friends lighting up the main venues.

Simon Shackleton, festival co-ordinator, said: “To see the festival enter the UK Blues Hall of Fame is an incredible honour and something we are immensely proud of. The event gets better and better every year, and the amount of work that goes into running it is extraordinary. This award belongs to everyone who helps make the festival so special year after year.”

Nathan Cutler, events and facilities officer at Colne Town Council, said: “It’s a fantastic event for Colne and something that really puts the town on the map. To win this award two years in a row is incredibly special and a testament to the passion and dedication behind the festival.”

This year marks a major milestone as the festival celebrates its 35th anniversary, continuing its tradition of bringing world-class blues talent to Lancashire. The 2026 line-up is already generating excitement, with big names including Walter Trout, Dom Martin, Mike Sanchez and King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys confirmed, alongside many more to be announced.

The festival will also see the return of The Muni Theatre as one of its main venues this August (28th – 30th), alongside the Pendle Hippodrome and The Little Theatre, offering audiences a vibrant and varied programme of performances.

A wide range of ticket options are available, including full festival passes, day tickets, as well as afternoon and evening session tickets, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Festival and camping tickets can be purchased at www.bluesfestival.co.uk/tickets/