Leek Blues festival is Back!

Leek Blues & Americana Festival is back for 2024 from 2nd to 6th October with a packed programme of over 30 gigs in 13venues around the town.

Festival pub gigs will again be free with two ticketedheadliner shows at the Foxlowe Arts Centre.

On Wednesday 2nd October, the Chris Bevington Organisationtake to the stage. The Staffordshire based music collective arewell known locally, and nationally and Chris and his band have been touring and recording since 2012. They have released four albums and continue to play their upbeat bluesinfused rock at countless venues and festivals. 

The support act is Robert Plant’s former drummer, Andy Edwards. Andy is now a major YouTube star, and he will give a humorous talk entitled, “An Evening with Led Zeppelin” based on his experiences.

Rising country star Kezia Gill plays the Foxlowe on Saturday 4th October. Kezia’s career has powered ahead since she last played the festival in 2019. Coming from a musical family of Irish descent her music pulls influences from folk, Irish, country, rock and blues. Her busy schedule takes her across the globe, and she has also gained the accolade of being a firm favourite of BBC’s Bob Harris.

In addition to the Foxlowe Arts Centre gigs twelve different pubs, bars and restaurants will also be hosting gigs over the period, giving punters an unenviable choice of live music, creating a great vibe in town. Slated acts include Ashley Sherlock, Ma Polaine, Jukehouse Junkies, Johnny Morgan, Wood Burnt Red, A D Scruffs, Chloe Jones and Joe Hewitt.

Using an Arts Council model, it has been estimated that the festival brings an additional £200,000 extra spend to the town, with pubs, restaurants, shops, hotels and taxi firms all benefitting.

In addition, on Sunday 22nd September there is a free Leek Blues and Americana gig at the bandstand in Brough Park featuring local bands from 2pm.

The festival ends with its traditional crescendo, The ‘Last Call’ at The Roebuck from 9pm on Sunday night. when musicians and gig-goers alike can round off the festival with an unscripted line-up of bands, artists and jam sessions to round off the weekend.

The festival relies heavily on help from sponsors who this year are Leek Town Council, Leek Arts Festival, Joule’s Brewery, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Leek Town Lands Trust, ctd architects, Leek Link Taxis and Richard Owen Aerials & Satellite.

There have also been contributions from the public, through acrowd funder. Those contributing money to the festival have received tee shirts, badges, posters, and even a free private gig from a local musician.

Festival chair Mike Gledhill said: “I’m really excited for this year’s festival. As ever we retain our two founding principlesof keeping most events ‘free admission’ and supporting our local hospitality and retail economy by attracting visitors and locals to a fantastic five-day festival in Leek.

“I would like to personally thank all our sponsors, venues, volunteers, organisers, artistes and punters. The festival is a real big effort from scores of people, and we simply couldn’tdo it without all the generous support.”

Tickets for the headline acts are available online at WeGotTickets | Simple, honest ticketing or at the Foxlowe Arts Centre. Details of the festival can be found at on the Leek Blues & Americana Facebook page.