An incredible 77 gigs will be taking place during the Gloucester Rhythm & Blues Festival starting this Saturday. Always a highlight of the summer calendar, Gloucester Rhythm & Blues Festival returns with a packed line up filled with talented musicians from within the county as well as national and international stars. Eleven venues play host to this truly citywide event that everyone can enjoy. Whether you are a hardened blues fan or have never listened to any before there will be plenty to discover.

One act that is certain to draw a crowd is Hamilton Loomis. A protégé of blues icon, the late Bo Diddley, Loomis met the icon backstage at the age of 16 at Houston’s famed venue,  Rockerfeller’s. Before the night was over, Loomis was onstage playing guitar with the legend. Diddley quickly became friend, mentor, collaborator and supporter.

Other highlights include, Gallon Proof and the Steve Browning Band at The Dick Whittington plus 13 more gigs at this unique venue. There will also be a stage at Café Rene on Greyfriars Green on the last weekend of the festival that is always a hit with an outside bar so you don’t miss a moment of the action! The full list of venues involved is:

• Angie’s Bar – Bull Lane
• Café René – Southgate Street
• Cross Keys Inn – Cross Keys Lane
• Dick Whittington – Westgate Street
• The Fountain Inn – Westgate Street
• Gloucester Brewery – Gloucester Docks
• The New Inn – Northgate Street
• The Old Bell – Southgate Street
• Peppers Café – Bull Lane
• The Tall Ship – Southgate Street
• Tank – Gloucester Docks

Councillor Lise Noakes, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure said: “This is a highlight of my summer.  There is always a variety of styles of Rhythm and Blues so you are sure to find something you like even if you don’t know what to expect.”

Jason Smith, Chief Executive at Marketing Gloucester commented: “The Gloucester Rhythm & Blues Festival is a shining long term example of how successful partnership working can deliver a great cultural event that brings life to the city and economic benefits. It sets a great model for future events.”

Gloucester Rhythm & Blues is a mainstay of Gloucester’s Summer of Music, Arts & Culture and is organised by Marketing Gloucester in association with Tim Porter and supported by Gloucester City Council.

The full schedule can be found at: gloucesterblues.com