Burnley Mechanics theatre website

The 21st Burnley National Blues Festival

Friday 10th – Sunday 12th April

Festival Lifts The Blues Of Recession

The Burnley National Blues Festival has been praised for defying the credit crunch as hotels and pubs enjoyed a packed Easter weekend.

Hotel owners and landlords, many of whom claim this year’s event was the busiest to date, have hailed the festival as a massive success.

The festival, which celebrated its 21st anniversary, saw Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials, Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers and Magic Slim and the Teardrops all headline at the Burnley Mechanics over the weekend.

Councillor Gordon Birtwistle, leader of Burnley Council, said it had provided a welcome boost to all businesses. He said, “It has been a very successful festival. And Burnley town centre has been very busy. I know the traders are very grateful for the extra business this weekend especially in the midst of a serious recession. The weather was also really helpful for all those involved.”

Simon Scott owner of the Bridge Bier Huis, on Bank Parade, said, “This festival was the busiest it’s been for the last six years. The pub was packed all weekend. And Sunday was fantastic. Locals really turned out for it, even on Friday, when the weather was not the best.”

Tony Walker manager at the Talbot Hotel, Church Street, said: “It’s been a great success this year. And we are expecting to see a good result when we look at the figures later in the week. People really turned out for the Blues Festival despite the credit crunch. As far as we’re concerned we think it is a great idea, and we want it to continue long into the future.”

Alex Willmott Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Appearing this year were:

  • Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials

  • Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers

  • Magic Slim and the Teardrops

  • Kenny Neal Band

  • Earl Thomas & Paddy Milner

  • Doug Macleod

  • Lightnin’ Willie and the Poorboys
  • Hamilton Loomis
  • Oli Brown
  • Ricky Cool and the Hoola Boola Boys
  • Two Timers Flanagan
  • The Cadillac Kings
  • Mike Whellans
  • Eddie Martin
  • MC Chris Powers
  • Full Festival Fringe – Blues Cruise

Sensational slide guitar, virtuoso harp, Chicago greats and blues family dynasties were just a few of the highlights of this our 21st Burnley National Blues Festival. WC Handy award winners abounded, entertainment oozed from every single main stage guest. But more importantly Burnley kept to its roots and delivered a scintillating array of some of the world’s finest blues performers over this special weekend in the British Blues Calendar.

Friday 10th April

  • 10pm Lil Ed And The Blues Imperials
  • 8.30pm Lightnin Willie And The Poorboys
  • 7pm Oli Brown

Saturday 11th April

  • 9.30pm Rod Piazza And The Mighty Flyers
  • 8pm Earl Thomas & Paddy Milner Band
  • 6.30pm Doug Macleod
  • 5pm Ricky Cool And The Hoola Boola Boys
  • 3.30pm Two Timers
  • 2.30pm TBC

Sunday 12th April

  • 9.30pm Magic Slim And The Teardrops
  • 8pm Kenny Neal
  • 6.30pm Hamilton Loomis
  • 5pm Flanagan
  • 3.30pm Cadillac Kings
  • 2.30pm Mike Whellans

Blues Cruise

Sailings took place at 12pm - 1.30pm & 3pm each day

  • Saturday: Mike Whellans
  • Sunday: Eddie Martin
Download 21st Blues Festival commemorative poster book
Download the Fringe Flier

 

Burnley National Blues Festival welcome Aircelle Ltd Burnley as our new major sponsor, helping to ensure the festival retains its position as one of the leading blues festivals in the UK.

"This gives us a tremendous opportunity to move the festival forward and we look forward to working with and being associated with such a high profile and greatly respected international company. It’s a great piece of news for the Festival" Kirk Worley, Manager Burnley Mechanics.

Festival snapshots

Check out these pictures from past festivals.

 

Festival MC

Check out Chris Powers site

The Burnley National Blues Festival operates a policy of continuous improvement and therefore appreciates your comments.

Please Email: boxoffice@burnley.gov.uk