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 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
Burnt Ice
Sun 4:00
~6:00pm
The Snake Oil Band
Sun 7:00
~9:00pm
Blues Boy Kings
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
Forged
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
Justin Light and the Midnighters
Sat 9:00
~11:00pm
After Hours Band
Sun 3:00
~7:00pm
Robin Bibi Band / Jam Session
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
Justin Light and the Midnighters
Sun 12:00
~2:00pm
Tom Davies & The Bluebirds
Sun 3:00
~5:00pm
Blues Boy Kings
Sun 7:00
~9:00pm
The Neil Sadler Band
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 7:30
~9:30pm
No Good Woman & The Kingsnakes
Sat 7:30
~9:30pm
Jack-Austin Despy Blues Band
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 Tricks
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
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.
Fri 7:00
~9:00pm
The Syndicators, led by Dave Thomas
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 1:20
~1:40pm
NBS Busk - Red Door Cafe
Sat 1:40
~2:00pm
NBS Busk - NBS Undergraduates
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 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 8:00
~10:00pm
Santiago & The Soulmovers
Sun 1:00
~2:00pm
Memphis D
Sun 2:00
~5:00pm
Norfolk Blues Society
Sun 6:00
~7:00pm
Andy Broad
Sun 7:00
~8:00pm
Dave Thomas
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 NBS Scratch Band
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 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
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
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
Checkmate Kings
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