Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival up for national award

The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival was named UK Blues Based Festival of the Year at the 2025 UK Blues Awards <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival was named UK Blues Based Festival of the Year at the 2025 UK Blues Awards (Image: Supplied)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival has been shortlisted for a national award.

Based in Colne, the festival is nominated for 'UK Blues Based Festival of the Year' at the UK Blues Federation’s UK Blues Awards, which it previously won in April last year and in 2019.

A third win would secure the festival a place in the UK Blues Hall of Fame.

Simon Shackleton, festival co-ordinator, said: "We’re incredibly proud to be shortlisted in the top five again.

"It would be an absolute honour to win once more and secure a place in the UK Blues Hall of Fame.

"This recognition is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved and the amazing support we receive every year from those buying tickets and attending the event."

The 34th edition of the festival in 2025 drew more than 30,000 visitors to Colne.

It featured headline performances from Gerry McAvoy's Band of Friends, When Rivers Meet, and Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse.

READ MORE:

Nathan Cutler, events and facilities officer at Colne Town Council, said: "The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival is hugely important for Colne, both culturally and economically.

"It’s fantastic to see the festival recognised on a national stage and celebrated for the incredible experience it provides for visitors and locals alike."

Organised by Colne Town Council and the Colne Blues Society, the event is already preparing for its 35th edition in 2026, which will include the return of The Muni Theatre as one of the main venues.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos