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Venues

Here are the venues we are delighted to say are hosting bands in this year's festival, together with details of the gigs they are putting on. A quick peek at the artists details are available by clicking on their name. It's a pleasure to welcome back so many good friends, and to say hello to some new faces.

The Bull

The Bull is a traditional 18th century pub with a welcoming atmosphere. It attracts families, locals and shoppers who come in for the value for money food offers and competitive prices on a wide range of drinks. The Bull is centrally located in the heart of Dereham and boasts a great, popular back terrace seating area. The friendly team  welcome new and old customers alike. Weather permitting bands will play outside at the rear where there is wheelchair access.

Thu 9:00 ~11:00pm
Uncalled Four

Fri 9:00 ~11:00pm
Stormy-T and Bluesman’s Lane

Sat 1:00 ~2:00pm
Jon De' Konker Root

Sat 3:00 ~4:00pm
Tony Brook Band

Sat 5:00 ~6:00pm
The Sam Wilkinson Band

Sat 7:00 ~8:00pm
Miller•Crossan

Sat 9:00 ~11:00pm
Ben Hemming Band

Sun 1:00 ~3:00pm
Lou And The Tall Boys

Sun 4:00 ~6:00pm
Used Blues

The Cherry Tree

Recently back on the live music circuit thanks to Sarah and Morgana this centrally situated traditional pub has lots of character and knows a good band as well as a good pint. Free house serving Green King, Molson Corrs. They will also be providing a Barbecue from 3-8 pm on Sunday of the festival.  They have their own private spaces located in a large municipal shoppers' car park that is right next door.

Thu 9:00 ~11:00pm
Stone Pony

Fri 9:00 ~11:00pm
Egypt

Sat 1:00 ~2:00pm
Hotsmoke & Danger

Sat 3:00 ~4:00pm
The Ministry of Mojo

Sat 5:00 ~6:00pm
Tony Brook Band

Sat 7:00 ~8:00pm
Jon De' Konker Root

Sat 9:00 ~11:00pm
After Hours Band

Sun 3:00 ~8:00pm
Robin Bibi Band & Blues Jam

Church House

Community Blues Explosion venue for the choir rehearsal & beginners workshops

Wed 7:00 ~9:00pm
Lauren Dove Blues & Soul Choir rehearsal

Wed 7:00 ~9:00pm
Lauren Dove Blues & Soul Choir rehearsal

Wed 7:00 ~9:00pm
Lauren Dove Blues & Soul Choir rehearsal

Wed 7:00 ~9:00pm
Lauren Dove Blues & Soul Choir rehearsal

Sat 10:00 ~12:00pm
Beginners Blues & Soul Singing

The Coachmakers

A stylishly decorated venue serving  locally sourced freshly prepared food including fresh stone baked pizzas - delicious and authentic! For blues loving wine connoisseurs they can also boast a cellar of amazing wines from small vineyards all over the world. Cocktails made to order  - perfect to drink outside in the rear garden and patio area.

Sat 3:00 ~5:00pm
Used Blues

Sun 4:00 ~6:00pm
Miller•Crossan

The Cock

The Cock public house has been lovingly restored back to its original name as a traditional real ale pub. With a classy internal decor, The Cock is a Freehouse serving delicious and interesting beers from local and national brewers, as well as specials from around the world.  Conveniently located on Norwich Street, The Cock has a lovely relaxed and friendly vibe and will be hosting free entry music gigs throughout the festival.

Thu 9:00 ~11:00pm
Indigo Collective

Fri 6:00 ~8:00pm
Blues Highway

Fri 9:00 ~11:00pm
The Tricks

Sat 12:00 ~1:00pm
Miller•Crossan

Sat 2:00 ~3:00pm
Stoli Gibson & the Pearl Onions

Sat 4:00 ~5:00pm
Katie and the Bad Sign

Sat 6:00 ~7:00pm
Stormy-T and Bluesman’s Lane

Sat 8:00 ~9:00pm
Johns Blues Crew

Sat 10:00pm ~midnight
No Good Woman & The Kingsnakes

Sun 12:00 ~2:00pm
Lightning Threads

Sun 7:00 ~9:00pm
Andy Grant Band

Dereham Aid Centre, hosted by Dereham Men's Shed

Community Blues Explosion venue for The Cigar Box Guitar workshop. Due to the demand for this workshop, Dereham Men's Shed is working in partnership with Dereham Aid Centre so that participants have lots of room for making their guitars.

 

Dereham Aid Centre, formerly the Ukraine Aid Centre is a charity that helps those in need regardless of Age, nationality gender or religion. They are pleased to be partnering both Dereham Men's Shed and Dereham Blues Festival.  

Sat 12:00 ~5:00pm
Cigar Box Guitar Making Workshop

Dereham Baptist Church

Venue for Community Blues Explosion event The Story of the Blues, presented by Terry Bunting.

Sat 11:00 ~12:00pm
The Story of the Blues by Terry Bunting

Dereham Cricket Club

Dereham Cricket Club became a venue for the blues festival for the first time in 2019 and had a sensational evening of it, with barbecue, bar and fantastic crowd-pleasing live (and loud) blues music. The cricket club is based in a lovely setting off the Norwich Road, next to the fire station, just 350 metres from the level crossing. There is a small amount of parking on site.  There is a ramp giving access for wheelchair users into the club-house and bar, but the live music event and barbecue will be outside, weather permitting.

The Cricket Club is on Norwich Road, next to the Fire Station (NR20 3AS). Contact derehamcricket@gmail.com for info about camping.

Fri 7:15 ~9:15pm
The JBBH project

Dereham Golf Club

Chill out with a swift round in the surroundings of the beautiful golf course or relax in the comfortable lounge, with a friendly bar, outdoors barbecue and live music in the club house. The golf club is just half a mile from the town centre Market Place, on Quebec Road.

Fri 7:00 ~9:00pm
The Core

Dereham Memorial Hall

Dereham Memorial Hall is rapidly becoming established as the major venue for a whole range of arts and entertainment events in central Norfolk! From meditation workshops to music and dance classes, the refurbished main hall is also a great venue for an extensive all year round programme of  theatre, music and family entertainment. The Memorial Hall has wheelchair access. 

​This year the Friends of Dereham Memorial Hall will once again host the opening concert with 2 fantastic stars of the present and future; the festival is opened by the amazing James Oliver Band, one of the UK's most gigged blues acts, and headlined by the incredible Toby Lee and his band, barely 20 years old but reveered by his peers and a major star of the future. Don't miss out on your chance to catch this incredible and sought-after artist.

Wed 6:45 ~7:15pm
Rockavox

Wed 7:30 ~8:30pm
James Oliver Band

Wed 9:00 ~10:30pm
Toby Lee

Ellenor Fenn Gardens

A brand new public garden commemorating the prolific 18th-century British writer of children’s books. Easy access through the popular modern shopping complex sited next to QD store

Sat 12:00 ~1:00pm
Ralph Beeby & the Elephant Collective

Sat 1:00 ~2:00pm
NBS Busking Showcase

Sat 2:00 ~3:00pm
Henry Baker

Sat 3:00 ~4:00pm
NBS Busking Showcase

Sat 4:00 ~5:00pm
Dove & Boweevil Duo

The Gemini

The Gemini pub and restaurant has long been a favourite with locals and is less than half a mile from the town centre. Under new management, it has an  extensive menu served in a large, welcoming restaurant. It is family friendly, with a very large garden and well equipped children's play area. It also has ample parking and a permanent ramp from the car park into the building for wheelchair users. 

Thu 8:00 ~11:00pm
Blues Jam Session

Fri 6:00 ~8:00pm
Stormy-T and Bluesman’s Lane

Fri 9:00 ~11:00pm
Blues Highway

Sat 1:00 ~2:00pm
Johns Blues Crew

Sat 3:00 ~4:00pm
Moonshine Coyote

Sat 5:00 ~6:00pm
The Devil’s Cadillac Blues Band

Sat 7:00 ~8:00pm
The Ministry of Mojo

Sat 9:00 ~11:00pm
Justin Light & The Midnighters

Sun 1:00 ~3:00pm
Miller•Crossan

Sun 4:00 ~6:00pm
Gypsy Candlesticks

Sun 7:00 ~9:00pm
Saltshaker

The George Hotel

With a wide selection of real ales, lagers, and ciders and our fresh home cooked menu (including breakfast from 9 to 11:30) made with locally sourced fresh produce, you're sure to have a great time at the newly re-opened George Hotel, bar and restaurant.

Thu 9:00 ~11:00pm
Against The Grain

Fri 9:00 ~11:00pm
Cold Sweat

Sat 1:00 ~2:00pm
Katie and the Bad Sign

Sat 2:00 ~3:00pm
Rich Miller

Sat 3:00 ~4:00pm
Miller•Crossan

Sat 4:00 ~5:00pm
Stoney Broke

Sat 5:00 ~6:00pm
The Ministry of Mojo

Sat 6:00 ~7:00pm
Richard Townend

Sat 7:00 ~8:00pm
Hotsmoke & Danger

Sat 8:00 ~9:00pm
Mojo Mules

Sat 9:00 ~11:00pm
The Sam Wilkinson Band

Sun 3:00 ~5:00pm
Rhythm Travellers

Sun 5:00 ~6:00pm
Luke Arnold

Sun 6:00 ~8:00pm
Paul Tinkler's Part Time Blues Band

The Greenstone

The Greenstone is a traditional family-oriented carvery and pub situated on the south side of the A47 road and just one mile from Dereham Market Place. With a generous car park it is easy to access on car or on foot. The Greenstone takes pride in the quality of their food and drink and take care to ethically source their ingredients. In 2024, there will be live blues bands in the garden on the Sunday afternoon. 01362 788080

Sun 2:00 ~4:00pm
The Worried Men

Sun 6:00 ~8:00pm
The Core

The Kings Head

Including a children's play area with swings and a mini football pitch in extensive grounds, 5 bars including an outdoor real ale bar, a prosecco & wine bar, and with a barbeque all weekend, the Kings Head is a must visit for all the family.

Thu 9:00 ~11:00pm
Richard Townend and the Mighty Bosscats

Fri 6:00 ~8:00pm
The Tricks

Fri 9:00 ~11:00pm
Checkmate Kings

Sat 1:00 ~2:00pm
Moonshine Coyote

Sat 3:00 ~4:00pm
Stormy-T and Bluesman’s Lane

Sat 5:00 ~6:00pm
Stoli Gibson & the Pearl Onions

Sat 7:00 ~8:00pm
The Devil’s Cadillac Blues Band

Sat 9:00 ~11:00pm
The Staffell&Stewart Band

Sun 2:00 ~5:00pm
Norfolk Blues Society

Mid Norfolk Railway

What... a station? Yes, with a difference. The imaginative hard working team have built up this popular tourist attraction from a derelict Beeching casualty. They are frequent hosts to jazz events on the trains and on the platform and have hosted theatrical productions. They have hosted every year of the festival providing a  chance to experience blues in an exciting and  unique environment. Ample parking and a licensed event cafe serving snacks makes this a popular destination. It is also accessible to wheelchair users.

Fri 8:00 ~10:00pm
Justin Light & The Midnighters

Sat 6:00 ~8:00pm
No Good Woman & The Kingsnakes

Sat 9:00 ~11:00pm
The JBBH project

Morrisons Car Park

Sat 11:00 ~1:30pm
West African Drumming workshop

Sat 12:30 ~1:30pm
West African Drumming workshop

Sat 2:30 ~3:30pm
West African Drumming workshop

Sat 4:00 ~5:00pm
West African Drumming workshop

Sun 11:00 ~12:00pm
West African Drumming workshop

Sun 12:30 ~1:30pm
West African Drumming workshop

Sun 2:30 ~3:30pm
West African Drumming workshop

Sun 4:00 ~5:00pm
West African Drumming workshop

Orion Cinema

In a first for the blues festival, the comfortable Orion Cinema will be hosting an informal talk with Mississippi Macdonald, conducted by Ross Stewart. The cinema is located very centrally in Dereham Market Place and has shallow steps to the front entrance. 

Fri 7:00 ~8:45pm
A Chat with Mississippi Macdonald by Ross Stewart

The Railway Tavern

A truly unique pub serving some of the best fish and chips in town, and famous for hitting the headlines with well organised fund raising events throughout the year. Always worth a visit to see what they have on offer.

Fri 9:00 ~11:00pm
Indigo Collective

Sat 2:00 ~3:00pm
Ben Hemming Band

Sat 4:00 ~5:00pm
Justin Light & The Midnighters

Sat 7:00 ~8:00pm
Stoli Gibson & the Pearl Onions

Sat 9:00 ~11:00pm
Katie and the Bad Sign

The Red Lion

Very central traditional pub,  an ideal starting point either to the festival or to explore the town. Now under new ownership, the venue has been completely refurbished and boasts no less than four very large screens. Use a town centre car park, the Red Lion is right next to the cinema and the central Market Place. The staff have a ramp for help with wheelchair access but no disabled loo.

Thu 9:00 ~11:00pm
Mojo Preachers

Fri 9:00 ~11:00pm
The Shunters Company feat. Ross Stewart

Sat 1:00 ~2:00pm
The Sam Wilkinson Band

Sat 2:00 ~3:00pm
Richard Townend

Sat 3:00 ~4:00pm
Hotsmoke & Danger

Sat 4:00 ~5:00pm
Rich Miller

Sat 5:00 ~6:00pm
Ben Hemming Band

Sat 6:00 ~7:00pm
Stoney Broke

Sat 7:00 ~8:00pm
Moonshine Coyote

Sat 8:00 ~9:00pm
NEVEN

Sat 9:00 ~10:30pm
Stormy-T and Bluesman’s Lane

Sat 11:30 ~1:30am
Jon De' Konker Root

Sun 1:00 ~3:00pm
Used Blues

Sun 4:00 ~6:00pm
Lightning Threads

Sun 7:00 ~9:00pm
The Thomas Heppell Band

Toftwood Social Club

A welcome venue to Dereham Blues Festival and chosen by Norfolk Blues Society for it's monthly jam sessions. Open to non members and not a bad seat for a view of the stage, this is a great place to relax sit back comfortably and soak up the atmosphere. Good ales served from a well stocked bar at very reasonable prices.

Fri 8:00 ~10:00pm
Goldrusha

Sat 3:00 ~5:00pm
The Staffell&Stewart Band

Sun 2:00 ~4:00pm
The Thomas Heppell Band

Sun 5:00 ~7:00pm
Clean Sneak