Sat 18th April 2026
The Crescent Community Venue
Doors at 12.30pm
"Possibly the friendliest Blues Festival on the circuit"
2026 Lineup
Doc Brown & The Groove Cats
Doc Brown & The Groove Cats are a seasoned blues band from the North East, fronted by multi-instrumentalist Doc “Mike Simkins” Brown. With over three decades on the circuit, Doc brings soulful vocals, expressive harmonica, and sharp guitar work to a sound that blends West Coast swing, funky blues, and jazzy grooves.
Whether performing as a full electric five-piece or in stripped-back acoustic formats, the Groove Cats deliver tight, feel-good sets that keep audiences moving. Regulars on the UK festival scene, they’re known for their musical depth, warm stage presence, and a style that keeps the blues fresh. Their shows are packed with groove, grit, and good humour. Always a hit with blues fans and first-timers alike.
Jack-Austin Despy Blues Band
Jack-Austin Despy is a rising star in the British blues scene, blending traditional blues with a modern edge that’s winning over audiences across the UK. Influenced by legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Rory Gallagher, Jack began his musical journey at six, quickly progressing from harmonica to guitar. By nine, he was jamming with seasoned musicians, and at thirteen, he stunned crowds at the Rory Gallagher Festival UK in Nantwich. His return in 2022 earned praise from Blues Magazine Netherlands, who hailed him as a prodigy and “the future.”
2024 marked a breakthrough year, with regular gigs, a sell-out show, and standout performances at Ballyshannon Rhythm and Blues Festival and London’s iconic 100 Club. In 2025, Jack played original material at the UK Blues Rhythm and Rock Festival and was nominated for two UK Blues Federation awards.
The Dusk Brothers
The Dusk Brothers are a gritty roots-blues duo from Bristol, known for their swampy sound and self-built instruments. Armed with cigar-box guitars and oil-barrel foot drums, they deliver raw, hypnotic performances that have earned them a cult following across the UK.
Featured in the BBC documentary Cigar Box Blues, and with standout sets at many festivals the brothers continue to push boundaries from their Rum Shack studio.
Their EPs showcase a dark, cinematic blues style that’s uniquely their own. Expect growling harmonies, foot-stomping grooves, and a live show that’s part gig, part ritual.
The Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience
The Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience is a powerhouse five-piece band led by acclaimed Yorkshire vocalist Pat Fulgoni, known for his soulful delivery and commanding stage presence. Blending classic blues with a modern edge, the band features top-tier musicianship and delivers sets packed with originals and reimagined classics from BB King, Ray Charles, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
With standout performances at Colne, Buxton, and Blues Alive, their live album Dark Side of the Blues reached #2 on the Roots Music Report UK chart. Their latest self-titled release continues to build momentum, and recent UK Blues Federation award nominations confirm their growing reputation as one of the most exciting live acts on the circuit.
DC Blues
DC Blues are a hard-hitting four-piece band from York delivering their own brand of gritty, groove-driven blues from the heart of the Ouse Delta. The band blends original material with classic covers, all delivered with tight musicianship and infectious energy creating a sound that’s raw, soulful, and built for live performance.
Formed in 2012 and twice nominated by the UK Blues Federation as Emerging Act of the Year.
Paul Winn and Ben Darwin are also the driving force behind the York Blues Festival, curating lineups and building the event into a highlight of the UK blues calendar.
Lightning Threads
Lightning Threads are a high-energy blues-rock trio from Sheffield, known for their electrifying live shows and gritty, soul-stirring sound. Their music fuses vintage blues with a modern edge, delivering face-melting guitar riffs, groove-heavy basslines, and thunderous rhythms. The band features Tom Jane (vocals/guitar), Sam Burgam (vocals/bass), and Hugh Butler (drums/keys), each bringing raw intensity and tight musicianship to the stage.
Since forming in 2019, Lightning Threads have played legendary venues like The Leadmill and The Greystones, and shared stages with acts including Chantel McGregor, Tom Killner, and William the Conqueror. Their festival appearances from Witney to DN One Live have earned them a reputation for turning every gig into a roaring blues revival. Expect a set packed with swagger, sweat, and serious sonic punch.
The Stumble
The Stumble are a powerhouse six-piece band from the North West of England, delivering a blistering mix of blues, soul, and old-school R&B. With over two decades on the road, they’ve earned a reputation as one of the UK’s finest live acts wowing audiences at festivals across the UK and Europe with their energy, virtuosity, and unmistakable groove.
Their sound is rooted in Chicago blues but infused with rich vocal harmonies, soaring guitar work, and a rhythm section that swings hard. The Stumble continue to push creative boundaries with original material and fresh takes on classics by BB King, Howlin’ Wolf, and Peter Green. Their critically acclaimed album The Other Side showcases the band’s depth and flair, while live shows promise raw power, emotion, and a guaranteed good time. Expect a set that’s tight, soulful, and built to move.