Artists

Here are the artists appearing at the festival in 2025 with links to their websites where available, together with the times and venues for their gigs. A quick peek at each venue is available by clicking the venue names.

After Hours Band

24 years ago after a number of line-up changes Steve Tansley was joined by experienced ‘guitar slinger’ Dave Crane. With complimentary guitar styles, their harmony guitar work is scorching! The rhythm section is made up from the experienced Harry Collins on Bass, Trevor Barr (ex Danny Bryant Band) and Kenny Philpot on keys. Experienced players that deliver solid Blues Rock sets time and time again.

Sat 9:00~11:00pm
The Cherry Tree

Andy Broad

A full-time touring bluesman across the UK, Europe, and the USA. draws from various influences, including Texan blues, Mississippi Delta styles, Chicago sounds, and soulful sounds. Broad’s unique blend of agile fingerpicking, flamboyant slide playing, and passionate vocals is guaranteed to entertain. His vibrant sound is guaranteed to entertain, with published reviews praising his guitar work, slide playing, and passionate vocals.

Fri 7:00~8:00pm
Dereham Cricket Club

Back Porch

With their foot-stomping, danceable rhythms together with lots of fun, will make you laugh, cry and tap your feet! It’s a stripped down line-up of harp, washboard and guitars – just some mates sitting on a back porch, playing the blues.

Thu 9:00~11:00pm
The Cock

BluMonde

Featuring Al Monde Guitar/Vocal, Steve Watson Bass and Tom Mitchell on drums. They play INTENSE BLUES! They have backed the inimitable James Oliver, the fastest guitar in the West.

Sun 3:00~4:00pm
The Cock

Sun 6:00~8:00pm
The Red Lion

Chicago Nola

A 4-piece Essex-based blues band. Celebrating some of the most influential music of an era of Blues, Soul and R&B, Chicago Nola perform a heady brew of strong classic blues and soul influenced themes. Tracking the migration of blues from New Orleans/Louisiana (NOLA) to Chicago & Beyond. Chicago Nola features the incredible vocal talents of Michelle Eley, supported by the experienced trio of Bill Jenks (guitar), Dietmar Schantin (bass) and Sean McGran(drums) to present a strong, honest Blues approach, live, clear and straight from the hip. Mississippi MacDonald gave the band the thumbs up with a “Great Job guys” post, when the band shared their recent recorded version of his song “Blind Leading The Blind”. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch them live.

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
The Cherry Tree

Chloe Mogg Band

A driving force in the West Midlands music scene which sees Janis Joplin meet Stevie Nicks with a splash of Alanis Morissette – that’s the soul of Worcestershire’s Chloe Mogg. Blending the raw emotion of blues rock with the edge of alternative, she’s carving out a sound that’s both timeless and unapologetically modern. Highly praised by BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing, EARMILK, Planet Rock, and New Noise Magazine

Fri 6:00~8:00pm
Mid Norfolk Railway

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
The Gemini

Clean Sneak

An established Jazzy/Blues'N'Roots trio, based in Bishop's Stortford Hertfordshire. The band focus on an early jazz/blues cross over sound, authentically recalling the period whilst extending this vocabulary into more recent songs to create a unique collection of sounds and blues themes.

Sun 3:00~5:00pm
The Bull

Sun 6:00~7:00pm
The Gemini

Cold Sweat

Cold Sweat are a unique five-piece blues/rock and boogie/rock’n’roll band. Dennis Robbins on piano and Hammond organ. Phil ‘Mr Cool’ Selby on lead guitar. Peter Thompson on bass, Stan Clouting on drums and Simon Lovick on vocals. They have performed at the last 6 DBF’s, performing from Robert Johnson, early Elvis, The Three Kings, Muddy Waters, Albert Collins through to Dr Feelgood, Rolling Stones, Robert Cray, Blues’n’Trouble and just so many more...

Thu 8:00~10:00pm
The George Hotel

DC Wilson Band

Popular Norfolk-based band known for energetic live blues, soul, rock & roll, and funk covers. Led by the always stylishly dressed Dominic Coleman— often wearing a 1940s fedora—the group is a staple in the local Norfolk scene, performing at venues with a strong and loyal following - especially dancers!

Sat 2:00~3:00pm
The Red Lion

Sat 6:00~7:00pm
The Cock

Dots

Dots are Nicki & Les, a dynamic bluestronica duo from Greater Manchester, UK, formed in 2019. Together they serve up a crazy cocktail of synth pop and early blues, mixing the sounds of Kraftwerk with the spirit of Hound Dog Taylor, topped with a generous sprinkling of humour! Genre-bendingly bizarre, they blur the line between stage and crowd with every show while they channel the ghosts of roots music with synths, cigar box guitar, and blues harp. Simply put, Bluestronica, fused with vintage grit and raw energy.

Sun 2:00~3:00pm
Darbys

Sun 5:00~6:00pm
The Cock

Fat Pigeon

Are four happy blokes from around Sudbury who enjoy playing some ferocious kick up the arse R&B Style: They are described as a punky Rhythm and Blues band, often playing lesser-known covers in a way that makes them sound like original material. “rousing and rumbustious,” a review notes, “Jel’s guitar will have your fookin’ head off its shoulders”.

Sun 1:00~2:00pm
The Bull

Sun 3:00~5:00pm
The Red Lion

Get Loose

Get Loose are an original blues-rock band known for blistering riffs, high energy shows, and a sound that blends grit, groove, and heart. Led by guitarist and vocalist Lee Castle, alongside Paul ‘Plonker’ Ashby (harmonica), Neil Lewis (keys), Phil Aris (drums), and Adam Carter (bass), the band has built a reputation for powerful live performances and unforgettable audience connection.

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
Mid Norfolk Railway

Hayden Lloyd

A young award winning vibrant guitarist and singer/songwriter hailing from Bath, UK. Fronting his dynamic trio, Hayden brings forth a revitalising blend of classic blues and soul, infused with a contemporary alternative rock edge, featuring the rhythmic prowess of Luke Ellis on drums and the solid bass grooves of Matilda Jones.

Sat 5:30~6:30pm
Dereham Cricket Club

Sat 8:00~10:00pm
The Red Lion

Henry Baker

Henry is a well-respected local performer who has hosted the Norfolk Blues Society jam sessions. Giving powerful renditions of everything from delta slide blues to jump jivin' dancefloor fillers his excellent guitar licks and gritty voice are augmented by his passion for music performance.

Sun 4:00~5:00pm
Darbys

Hot Smoke & Danger

High-octane three-piece blues band, playing more unusual tracks as well as some new versions of early blues and our own original blues material. Ex-members of the electric blues machine deliver low-swamp Mississippi right through to twisting, turning, rip-roaring in your face 12 bar blues.

Sat 4:00~5:00pm
The Red Lion

Sat 7:00~8:00pm
The Cherry Tree

John's Blues Crew

A great mix of swing and in ya face blues. “It’s all about the groove” and these guys have it in buckets. So come on down to their party and in the groove too – boogie like ya’ve never done before!

Fri 6:00~8:00pm
The Cock

Justin Light & The Midnighters

Justin Light & The Midnighters offer up a rocking and rollicking evening of high-octane rhythm and blues. Their song writing employs traditional blues structures, catchy hooks, sassy lyrics and are accompanied by stinging guitar tones, groovy bass lines and incendiary drums all of which are stretched out in the live setting through some intense improvisation and crowd-pleasing danceable grooves.

Sat 1:30~2:30pm
Dereham Cricket Club

Sat 6:00~8:00pm
The Bull

Ken Woods and The Old Blue Gang

Apricot Magazine called Ken Woods and The Old Blue Gang’s 2025 debut album Silent Spike -“One of the most important musical statements of the year.” Ken and the OBG serve a potent stew of blues, Americana and psychedelic cowboy music, infused with a sense of time and place, gravitas and humour, expectation and memory served with a side ‘face-melting’ guitar solos.“Woods digs up the bones of America’s past, sets them to fire, and plays lead guitar over the flames” wrote Frank Bell from Fame Magazine. Come experience the heat for yourself.

Sun 2:00~4:00pm
Toftwood Social Club

Sun 5:00~7:00pm
Dereham Cricket Club

Lee Signey aka The Infamous Rooster Fish

Lee has been playing in bands since the late 70s, some successful, some not. He started with the Punk Rock Country Blues and a mission to “keep it raw as he believes blues is life experience, not fancy stage clothes and too many guitars”. Kent Duchane commented that his performance and gravelly voice was the “most original country blues I’ve heard in years”.

Sat 4:00~5:00pm
Darbys

Sat 8:00~9:00pm
The Bull

Little Blues Band

High revvin’, car passin’ music from The Thunderbirds to Louis Jordan, served up with humour and panache. Joe Bernard served his time on East Anglia’s chitlin circuit, playing bass for several bands. Last year he and ‘Telemaster’ Rob Huckfield managed to recruit NBS house drummer Henry Lasce.

Sun 7:00~9:00pm
The Cock

Lou & the Tall Boys

A three-piece Americana/roots band with their two acoustic guitars, acoustic bass, and three-part harmonies they captivate every crowd. Their original songs blend heart, energy, and storytelling, somewhere between frontporch Americana and road-trip rhythm. They bring a polished, heartfelt live show full of atmosphere, chemistry, and music that truly stands out. Highly regarded local band.

Sat 1:00~2:00pm
The George Hotel

Sat 4:00~5:00pm
The Bull

Luke Arnold

Singer, songwriter, and musician based in Norfolk, UK, recognised as a prominent figure in the local blues scene. He is a singer, guitarist, and harmonica player often acting as host at Norfolk Blues Society jam sessions. He is highly regarded as a “consummate blues man”, playing his own take on blues music often alongside other top regional players .

Sun 2:00~3:00pm
The Bull

Sun 4:00~5:00pm
The George Hotel

Martin Wood

Acoustic blues, roots, and Americana singer-musician based in Reading, known for his warm storytelling and “Candy Apple Shoes” album. Reviews describe his music as authentic and well-suited for blues clubs. He often performs live at intimate venues, featuring a blend of original and interpreted roots music.

Sat 2:00~3:00pm
Darbys

Sat 4:00~5:00pm
Ellenor Fenn Gardens

Sat 6:00~7:00pm
The George Hotel

Mike Happninboy & The Blues Amigos

If you’re into traditional blues- Muddy Waters-Howlin Wolf-John Lee Hooker- the sound is raw, emotional and groove! Well you got it here! Energetic soulful original and traditional its words describing the Blues Export. Put together by Harmonica Legend Grant Howard these guys are a family of musicians who have come through a variety of styles and landed in deep US blues mingled with British humour and drive! Mike Happninboy has been a stalwart of the blues scene for 30 years- Foot stomping delta blues power and a voice that could have been a field holler in Mississippi. Energy and soul are his trade mark.

Sat 12:00~1:00pm
The Cock

Sat 3:00~4:00pm
The Cherry Tree

Sat 7:00~8:00pm
The George Hotel

Mojo Mules

John and Craig form the powerhouse musical duo, Mojo Mules. Both are dynamic multi instrumentalist performers, steeped in the music of The Blues. Mojo Mules play blues straight from the soul, bringing traditional blues into the modern era with a contemporary twist. Earning admiration from Blues fans and new listeners alike.

Sat 2:00~3:00pm
The Gemini

Sat 5:00~6:00pm
The Bull

Sat 8:00~9:00pm
Darbys

NEVEN

is a highly regarded Liverpool based blues-rock artist with Serbian roots, blending gritty vocals and dirty guitar into a sound that’s raw, soulful, and unmistakably his own. Influenced by classic blues and 90s alt-rock, his music channels emotion, resilience, and fire – with lyrics often drawn from personal experience. For fans of music that hits hard and stays with you.

Sat 2:00~3:00pm
Ellenor Fenn Gardens

Sat 3:30~4:30pm
Dereham Cricket Club

Sat 8:00~9:00pm
The George Hotel

Paul Tinkler's Part Time Blues Band

Mr Tinkler is a consummate bluesman with vocals oozing with character and guitar skills to match. He has toured Germany and played with such names as Chris Barber and The Kinks bass player Jim Rodford. He has also been the front man for “John Slaughter’s Blues Band” and “CC Blues Band”. He is always accompanied by top class musicians, don’t miss him!

Sun 6:00~8:00pm
The George Hotel

Rich Miller

A highly talented Leighton Buzzard based blues singer and an absolutely phenomenal slide guitar player with a voice which will remind you of Chris Rea! He is a frequent performer on the UK blues circuit, often appearing at festivals like Swanage.and Upton. Blues in Britain described his guitar work as “second to none”.

Sat 3:00~4:00pm
The Bull

Sat 6:00~7:00pm
Darbys

Robin Bibi Band

Robin has been nominated by the British Blues awards in several categories and won an award for Best Guitar Solo from the WRC! The Robin Bibi Band will be playing a set, then hosting the jam session at the Cherry Tree on the Festival Sunday afternoon. He is an extremely popular entertainer both as the front man of his excellent band and a respected musician’s musician.

Sat 10:00~11:59pm
The Cock

Sun 3:00~7:00pm
The Cherry Tree

Rockavox

Rockavox are a very popular adult rock choir who raise money for charities while having a whale of a good time. Since 2012, Rockavox performs at events and venues throughout the year with a repertoire that has something for everyone! See them at the opening concert.

Wed 6:45~7:15pm
Dereham Memorial Hall

Santiago & The Soulmovers

Santiago is a passionate singer/songwriter/ guitarist who brings the vibrant energy of his native Argentina to his regular appearances in the London music scene. In 2014, Santiago expanded his horizons when he joined “Mo ́Blues”, a well-known band in Argentina with whom he recorded and toured all around Latin America. During 2021, Santiago also began working on new music with producer Wayne Proctor (AA Williams, Lynne Jackaman, Ben Poole) and the co-writer Oli Brown. Yet to be released under the name of “Santiago and the Soulmovers”, the material provides a fresh twist with its mix of Blues Rock sounds with Soul and Nashville vibes.

Sat 1:00~2:00pm
The Cherry Tree

Sat 5:00~6:00pm
The George Hotel

Sat 8:00~10:00pm
The Gemini

Souped Up Fords

A four piece rock, blues and soul outfit hailing from Scotland. The band consists of Chris Henry - Guitar, vocals, Gav Edgar - drums and percussion, Rich Gregory, bass and Mark Jones- saxophone. They are known for a raw, high-voltage sound that blends blues, rock, folk, and country, described as “Hound Dog Taylor and RL Burnside using Black Sabbath’s equipment”. The band draws from Rory Gallagher, obviously, but also Albert Collins and Johnny Winter.

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
The Red Lion

Sat 2:00~3:00pm
The Cock

Sat 5:00~6:00pm
The Cherry Tree

Sat 9:00~11:00pm
The George Hotel

Stoli Gibson & the Pearl Onions

Four-piece blues-rock band from Kings Lynn, delivering no-frills, mean and dirty, guitar-driven blues (as well as a few drops of something slightly gentler). So buckle up boys and girls and get ready to be shaken and stirred.

Sat 12:00~1:00pm
The Red Lion

Sat 4:00~5:00pm
The Cock

Stone Pony

Stone Pony have played almost every Dereham Blues Festival since 2013. A long established home grown Norfolk band featuring Andy Graham on vocals and guitar and son Jake on drums. The trio prides itself on versatile musicianship applying a fresh approach to every number ensuring that both familiar songs and original dynamic numbers meld into a very listenable experience richly sprinkled with ear catching riffs.

Thu 9:00~11:00pm
The Cherry Tree

The Albert George Collective

An old school style soulful Blues and Funk band, 25 year old Albert George is a force of musical nature leading on vocals and guitar. With his collective he can pour out blues covers and originals that’ll make you sing, dance, laugh, cry and stomp. Filling the air with a little Blues, Rock, Soul, Funk, Gospel and more, AG and band always play the rafters off and always leave their audience hungry for more. The Albert George Collective is a must watch!

Sat 7:30~9:30pm
Dereham Cricket Club

Sat 11:00pm~1:00am
The Red Lion

The Core

The Core are a Norwich-based, female-vocal-led five-piece rockin’ blues band. Ricci Reeves’ soaring vocals are ably supported by some of Norwich’s most experienced players (Terry Bunting, Andy Cooper, Malcolm Jackson and Dave Sparrow). Playing their interpretation of blues classics from the1960s through to the present.

Thu 8:00~10:00pm
Dereham Cricket Club

The Cruisers

Pete, Barrie, Dave and Geoff, a Norfolk & Suffolk based 4 piece band playing great Rock n Roll n Rhythm n Blues from across the recent decades. The original band formed in 2012 when a group of like-minded musicians gathered to play quality blues music. Since then the band has gone through several evolutionary changes to the style of music, the line up, and the band name but authentic blues is still the heart and sole of the band.

Fri 7:00~9:00pm
Darbys

The Davidson Trio

From the heart of the Black Country rise The Davidson Trio (T.D.T) comprised of bass player and singer Owen Davidson, guitarist Ben Bicknell and drummer Ellis Brown. Not your usual trio, they bring pure energy and power to their live performances that leave audiences wondering how three musicians can sound so big. The band is a collective unit with each member bringing their own flavour to song writing and performances.

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
Dereham Cricket Club

The Devil’s Cadillac Blues Band

Expect big vocals, funk, and oodles of groove. This local blues rock band based in the Norwich performs across the county of Norfolk providing high energy and entertaining performances. Christian Lovick on vocals, Nathan Codling - Lead Guitar, Simon Sales - Rhythm Guitar, Daniel Earp - Bass and Lester Dinnie - Drums

Thu 9:00~11:00pm
The Gemini

The Jam Busters

A cracking little blues band formed out of top musicians from the Norfolk Blues Society’s jam sessions.

Thu 9:00~11:00pm
The Bull

The Ministry of Mojo

Ministry of Mojo are an experienced and dynamic five-piece Chicago blues band, regularly gigging in Essex & Suffolk. Blues powered by shuffle & swing, they are serious about blues and very serious about having fun playing - they generously offer an antidote to complexity to all brethren of Mojo!

Sun 12:00~2:00pm
The Cock

Sun 8:00~10:00pm
The Gemini

The Monarchs Blues Band

Old school blues, R&B and rock n roll. A regular working band they are joing us from Chester where they are well known for winning Boom Radio’s “One More Dream” competition, is lauded for a unique, raw sound,. Expect a performance to remember.

Fri 8:00~10:00pm
Toftwood Social Club

The Sam Wilkinson Band

This three-piece band provide funky edge Blues played with passion. Gigging across the UK since early 2000s. Sam is proud to have supported the likes of Dr Feelgood and Joe Bonamassa. The band delivers original material and their own take on Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Muddy Waters, The Beatles and Amy Winehouse to name just a few.

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
The Bull

Sat 3:00~4:00pm
The George Hotel

Sat 8:00~9:00pm
The Cock

The Shunters Company

evolved out of the Norfolk Blues Society’s house band. These guys have all paid their blues dues and are hitting you back with their high energy mid-Atlantic attitude to chase away your blues and get you dancing! This time fronted by Luke Arnold with Greg Camburn (sax) and Paul Howard (keys). Now, there’s a line up!

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
The George Hotel

The Snake Oil Band

Snake Oil Band is a high-energy electric blues powerhouse from North London, known for electrifying performances and undeniable chemistry. With over a decade of experience playing festivals, bars, and clubs, they consistently deliver crowd-pleasing sets. Fuelled by passion for blues and soul, their dynamic stage presence makes every show unforgettable. The Snake Oil potion is stronger than ever!

Sat 3:00~5:00pm
Toftwood Social Club

The Steve Summers Band

A top drawer UK blues/rock band headed up by Steve Summers’ dexterous guitar wizardry and authentic vocals, the band members boast an impressive pedigree – with live and studio sessions for chart-topping acts Jethro Tull and Mungo Jerry and legendary six-string shredders Bernie Marsden and Larry Miller under their belts. These guys know what they’re about when it comes to live performance. The band’s well-crafted songs sit comfortably alongside some surprisingly eclectic cover material, highlighting not only the band’s musicality, but also its stylistic versatility.

Sat 6:00~7:00pm
The Red Lion

Sat 9:00~11:00pm
The Bull

The Syndicators, led by Dave Thomas

Traditional blues with a sophisticated edge. Leader Dave Thomas is an award winning, through-and-through blues man known for his dedication to the genre on both sides of the Atlantic and we are proud he is based here in Norfolk. If you like John Mayall, Eric Clapton and Peter Green. This is one not to miss!

Sun 5:00~7:00pm
Toftwood Social Club

Tim Lee

Tim has been playing Blues for a very long time, bringing his songs and stories about lives well-lived to audiences far and wide for more than thirty years. His one-man show brings a sound that is fresh yet familiar, with an intoxicating and well-worn vintage vibe. The songs themselves hit from all directions. Subtle to raucous, joyful to troublesome, and all points in between. Pure Blues...

Sat 1:00~2:00pm
The Bull

Sat 4:00~5:00pm
The George Hotel

Sat 6:00~7:00pm
The Gemini

Sun 2:00~4:00pm
Dereham Cricket Club

Tom Mally

Influenced by the likes of Rag’n’Bone Man and Bob Dylan, Tom Malley first picked up a guitar sixteen years ago and kicked off his music career by playing in pubs and bars across Norwich. New Black Records, an independent record label, discovered him in 2017 and quickly signed him to their business. The company also represents Norwich band New Scientists and two-piece The Big Alabama from Diss. Since being signed, the blues/folk singer has gone on to be featured as one to watch by NME magazine and had his music picked up by BBC Introducing.

Sat 12:00~1:00pm
Ellenor Fenn Gardens

Sat 2:00~3:00pm
The George Hotel

Tony Edwards' Blues Express

Tony Edwards’ Blues Express Band leader Tony is Norfolk’s very own blues guitar supremo (and Norfolk Blues Society’s jam session favourite). The band plays “rockin’ good time” guitar led blues. This four-piece band has been put together just to perform for the Dereham Blues Festival 2025. Tony is assisted by Norfolk Blues Society house-band regulars Andy Cooper (Hammond Organ), Stewart Aitken (Bass) and ace drummer Geoff Cooper coming out of retirement only for this festival appearance . Expect hot, hot, hot up-tempo, dynamic stops, and classy scintillating chops. Not for the faint of heart...

Wed 7:30~8:30pm
Dereham Memorial Hall

Two Gun Mathilda

Two Gun Mathilda is a London-based rhythm & blues band delivering raw, high-energy performances inspired by 50s and 60s R&B, soul, and rock ’n’ roll. Fronted by Shuko’s powerful, gritty vocals, their live shows are paying tribute to vintage sounds with a style and spirit all their own. Shuko was invited to be Norfolk Blues Society’s special Christmas host.

Fri 6:00~8:00pm
The George Hotel

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
The Cock

Uncalled Four

Uncalled Four are all old enough to know better, and yet young enough to play old school Rhythm & Blues with a spring in the step and a twinkle in the eye. And that’s R&B of the broadest church with a twist of blues, a twang of country and a trace of Americana. A couple of original tunes jostle side by side with classics from BB King, Ray Charles, Georgie Fame, Bonnie Raitt, Stephen Bruton, Ry Cooder, and many more. Firm Norfolk venue favourites.

Fri 9:00~11:00pm
The White Swan

Used Blues

The name says it all ... the songs aren’t new, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing original about this band! From the 1940’s tunes of Louis Jordan to the contemporary songs of Gary Clark Jr via Tom Waits, Buddy Guy et al, this band delivers! Having performed at festivals and music venues on both sides of the border, by popular demand, yet again, this Glasgow-based Rhythm n’ Blues outfit bring their brand of good time, foot stompin’ tunes back to Dereham.

Fri 7:00~9:00pm
Dereham Golf Club

Sat 2:00~3:00pm
The Bull

Sat 4:00~5:00pm
The Gemini

Sun 1:00~3:00pm
The George Hotel

Will Wilde

A box-office favourite vocalist and harp player, Will has been wowing audiences across the UK with his dynamic, modern take on the blues — a must-see artist before he goes truly mega.

Wed 8:45~10:15pm
Dereham Memorial Hall