Gloucester city centre is set to come alive with the sound of blues this summer as the much-loved Gloucester Rhythm & Blues Festival returns from Friday 24 July to Sunday 2 August 2026.
A highlight of the city’s events calendar and now proudly part of Gloucester’s Summer of Sound programme, the festival will once again bring together acclaimed international artists, celebrated UK blues musicians and outstanding local talent for more than 65 free live performances across pubs, bars and live music venues throughout the city centre.
Whether you’re a lifelong blues fan or simply looking for a fantastic day or evening out, the festival offers the perfect opportunity to experience world-class live music while exploring everything Gloucester has to offer. Visitors can enjoy great food and drink, discover independent businesses and soak up the unique atmosphere as live music fills venues across the city.
Festival highlights include:
- The Cinelli Brothers – UK Blues Band of the Year 2026
- Ben Poole
- Laurence Jones
- The Terraplanes Blues Band
- Tim Lee
- Sons of the Delta
- Big Mudfish
- Kevin Brown
- Dirty Weather Blues Revue
- Stompin’ Dave & Lucy Piper
- Luke Philbrick & The Solid Gone Skiffle Invasion
- Big Joe Bone
- More than 65 FREE performances across Gloucester city centre over ten days
Coordinated by Gloucester BID in collaboration with the venues, one of the exciting additions to this year’s festival is The Sisters, which joins the festival as a brand-new venue, further expanding the city’s live music offering.
Nell Bailey, from The Sisters said:
“The countdown is on! The Sisters is officially taking part in this year’s Gloucester Rhythm & Blues Festival 2026 and we couldn’t be happier! Expect incredible live music, a fantastic crowd, and great drinks flowing all week at 100 Westgate Street. You won’t want to miss this!”
Performing at The Sisters on the festival’s opening night will be Gloucester favourites Big Mudfish.
Shair Lloyd, of Big Mudfish, said:
“Big Mudfish can’t wait to perform original and classic blues at the 2026 Gloucester Rhythm & Blues Festival. To us it’s a local festival with global appeal where blues from all around the world converges in this beautiful city. We were psyched to be invited to play at The Sisters. Our host Nell is a huge live music fan and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got on the 24th!”
Returning festival favourite Tim Lee is also looking forward to making his way back to Gloucester, this year performing at the spectacular rooftop venue, Crimson Spire.
Tim said:
“The Gloucester Rhythm & Blues Festival has quickly become a highlight of my summer tours. I have a great time playing for folks who come to hear some Blues, and I have just as much fun hanging with fans and with other players throughout the festival. I’ve always had a ‘shout it from the rooftop’ approach to Blues, so I’m definitely looking forward to playing the Crimson Spire rooftop bar!”
As part of Gloucester’s Summer of Sound, the Rhythm & Blues Festival joins an exciting programme of live music events taking place across the city throughout the summer, reinforcing Gloucester’s growing reputation as a destination for culture, entertainment and unforgettable experiences.
With every performance free to attend, the festival offers the perfect excuse to spend a day, or several, in Gloucester city centre, discovering new artists, supporting local venues and businesses, and enjoying everything the city has to offer.
Follow the festival’s Facebook page for the latest news and updates – https://www.facebook.com/GloucesterBluesFestival. For the full festival programme, performance times and venue information, visit www.gloucesterbid.uk/gloucester-rhythm-blues-festival-2026/. To discover more events taking place as part of Summer of Sound, visit www.visitgloucester.co.uk/whats-on/summer-of-sound.
