YouTube icon Instagram icon Twitter icon Facebook icon

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
Cold Sweat

Fri 9:00 ~11:00pm
Hayden Lloyd

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

Sat 3:00 ~5:00pm
Uncalled Four

Sat 6:00 ~8:00pm
Midnight Cannonball

Sat 9:00 ~11:00pm
Tony Edwards' Blues Express

Sun 1:00 ~3:00pm
Mojo Preachers

Sun 4:00 ~6:00pm
The Snake Oil Band

Sun 7:00 ~9:00pm
Blues Boy Kings

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
Jed Potts & the Hillman Hunters

Sat 3:00 ~4:00pm
The Sam Wilkinson Band

Sat 5:00 ~6:00pm
Jack-Austin Despy Blues Band

Sat 7:00 ~8:00pm
The Sons of Illinois

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

Sun 3:00 ~7:00pm
Robin Bibi Band / Jam Session

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
The Devil’s Cadillac Blues Band

Fri 6:00 ~8:00pm
Lightning Threads

Fri 9:00 ~11:00pm
The Shunters Company

Sat 12:00 ~1:00pm
The Sam Wilkinson Band

Sat 2:00 ~3:00pm
Clarksdale Contract

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

Sat 6:00 ~7:00pm
Jon De' Konker Root

Sat 8:00 ~9:00pm
Goldrusha

Sat 10:00pm ~midnight
The Sons of Illinois

Sun 12:00 ~2:00pm
Tom Davies & The Bluebirds

Sun 7:00 ~9:00pm
The Neil Sadler Band

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.

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
Backbone Blues Band

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 ~10:00pm
Mike Sanchez

Dereham Town Football Club

Just off the A47 on the way into town, this popular social event venue with plenty of parking is warm, inviting and they know how to look after folk who are looking to celebrate and have a good time. New decked patio and possible space for camper vans.

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 11:30 ~12:00pm
Rockavox

Sat 12:00 ~1:00pm
Dave Ferra

Sat 1:00 ~1:20pm
NBS Busk - Peddars Way

Sat 1:20 ~1:40pm
NBS Busk - Red Door Cafe

Sat 1:40 ~2:00pm
NBS Busk - Bill Bennett

Sat 2:00 ~3:00pm
Saltshaker

Sat 3:00 ~3:20pm
NBS Busk - NBS Undergraduates

Sat 3:20 ~3:40pm
NBS Busk - Koda Villiers

Sat 3:40 ~4:00pm
NBS Busk - Ruth Bowen and KV

Sat 4:00 ~5:00pm
Ged Wilson

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. 

Fri 9:00 ~11:00pm
Lightning Threads

Sat 2:00 ~3:00pm
The NBS Scratch Band

Sat 4:00 ~5:00pm
Jon De' Konker Root

Sat 6:00 ~7:00pm
Goldrusha

Sat 7:00 ~8:00pm
Andy Broad

Sat 8:00 ~10:00pm
Santiago & The Soulmovers

Sun 1:00 ~2:00pm
Memphis D

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

Sun 6:00 ~7:00pm
Andy Broad

Sun 7:00 ~8:00pm
Dave Thomas

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
The Core

Fri 9:00 ~11:00pm
The Paul Cook Blues Band ft. Katie Bradley

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

Sat 2:00 ~3:00pm
Dave Ferra

Sat 3:00 ~4:00pm
Midnight Cannonball

Sat 4:00 ~5:00pm
Saltshaker

Sat 5:00 ~6:00pm
Jed Potts & the Hillman Hunters

Sat 6:00 ~7:00pm
Ged Wilson

Sat 7:00 ~8:00pm
Used Blues

Sat 8:00 ~9:00pm
Dave Thomas

Sat 9:00 ~11:00pm
4D Jones

Sun 1:00 ~3:00pm
Checkmate Kings

Sun 4:00 ~5:00pm
Andy Broad

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 1:00 ~3:00pm
The Neil Sadler Band

Sun 5:00 ~7:00pm
Back Porch

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
Slim Willson and the Swamp Brothers

Sat 6:00 ~8:00pm
The Sam Wilkinson Band

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

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.

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.

Fri 9:00 ~11:00pm
Innes Sibun

Sat 12:00 ~1:00pm
Midnight Cannonball

Sat 2:00 ~3:00pm
Jack-Austin Despy Blues Band

Sat 4:00 ~5:00pm
Clarksdale Contract

Sat 6:00 ~7:00pm
Tony Edwards' Blues Express

Sat 8:00 ~10:00pm
Jed Potts & the Hillman Hunters

Sat 11:00pm ~1:00am
Santiago & The Soulmovers

Sun 2:00 ~4:00pm
Used Blues

Sun 6:00 ~8:00pm
C.F. Boneslum

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
The Ministry of Mojo

Sat 3:00 ~5:00pm
Used Blues

Sun 2:00 ~4:00pm
Jed Potts & the Hillman Hunters

Sun 5:00 ~7:00pm
Tom Davies & The Bluebirds