Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival 2026: Campsite Spaces Still Available in Colne

Key Points

• The 35th edition of the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival in Colne is nearly upon us, and there are still spaces for camping available for the August bank holiday weekend of 2026.
• Colne & Nelson Rugby Club is the official campsite; it is open Thursday 27 August to Tuesday 1 September 2026.
• Features include hot showers, toilets, food and drink and a free shuttle bus to festival venues.
• The site has been converted to become an Official Fringe site, hosting its own live entertainment programme.
• Small tents and large tents are rented for £9 per night, as are campers and caravans.
• Over 50 artists will play at three main stages, including Walter Trout and Ray Beadle, both headliners, on Sunday and Saturday respectively.
• A rodeo bull, giant games, glitter tattoos, face painting, buskers, stilt walkers, street food and a 360 photobooth are all family-friendly attractions.
• Tickets for the festival are on offer, but are selling quickly (afternoon, evening, day & full weekend).
• The event is planned to promote early booking because of the limited availability of campsites.
• The festival is run by Colne Town Council & Colne Blues Society to be sponsored by Barnfield Construction.

Colne (Britain Today News) August 12, 2026 – Music fans planning to attend the landmark 35th Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival in Colne still have a chance to secure camping spaces, organisers have confirmed, as the August bank holiday event approaches. The official festival campsite, based at Colne & Nelson Rugby Club, remains open for bookings, with limited pitches left for tents, campers and caravans ahead of the weekend running from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2026.

What are the campsite dates and location for the 2026 festival?

The campsite will operate from Thursday 27 August through to Tuesday 1 September 2026, providing a five-night window for attendees to base themselves close to the action. Located at Holt House, Harrison Drive, Colne BB8 9SF, the site sits approximately 0.7 miles from the main festival venues in the town centre. As reported on the festival’s official website, the campsite also functions as an Official Roadhouse and an Official Fringe venue, meaning it hosts its own scheduled live entertainment throughout the weekend at no extra charge for campers.

How much does it cost to camp at the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival 2026?

Camping passes are priced to accommodate different lengths of stay and group sizes. According to the festival’s camping information page, a Full Festival Camping Pass (Thursday night to Tuesday morning) costs £45 for a small tent, £60 for a large tent, and £90 for a camper or caravan. Individual night passes are available at £20–£30 per night depending on tent size and vehicle type. Organisers highlight that five nights in a small tent works out at just £9 per night, positioning the campsite as an affordable option for a full festival experience.

What facilities and services are available on the campsite?

Campers benefit from a range of on-site amenities designed to support comfort and convenience over the busy bank holiday weekend. Facilities include toilets within the rugby club, additional porta-loos on site, a bar open from 8 am to 2 am, and a disabled shower and toilet. Breakfast and homemade hot meals are available from the Rugby Club, payable directly on site. In addition, a free shuttle bus will run between the campsite and the festival venues throughout the weekend, reducing the need for private transport and easing access to performances.

Who is organising the campsite and what do officials say about availability?

The festival is jointly organised by Colne Town Council and Colne Blues Society, with Barnfield Construction confirmed as the headline sponsor for 2026. Nathan Cutler, Events & Facilities Officer at Colne Town Council, emphasised the popularity and atmosphere of the campsite. As reported in local coverage, Cutler stated:

“The campsite is always incredibly popular and has a brilliant atmosphere, with festivalgoers coming from near and far to stay for the weekend and enjoy everything Colne has to offer.”

He added:

“With only limited campsite places remaining, we’d encourage anyone who wants to make a full weekend of it to get booked in as soon as possible.”

Which artists are headlining the 35th Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival?

The 2026 line-up features more than 50 artists performing across three main stages: the Pendle Hippodrome, the returning Muni Theatre, and The Little Theatre. Blues-rock icon Walter Trout headlines on Sunday 30 August, leading a special tribute to the late John Mayall, widely regarded as the godfather of British blues. Australian blues star Ray Beadle makes his festival debut as the Saturday night headliner at the Pendle Hippodrome, following a successful first UK tour in 2025. Belfast guitar sensation Dom Martin & Band headline the Friday evening slot at the Hippodrome, while Mike Sanchez & His Band, Lightnin’ Willie & The Poorboys, and Danny Bryant headline across the Muni Theatre programme.

What family-friendly activities will be available in Colne during the festival?

Beyond the music stages, Colne will be transformed into a family-friendly destination with a wide array of attractions. Visitors can enjoy busker performances, stilt walkers, face painting, fairground rides, a rodeo bull, a giant games area, glitter tattoos, and a 360 photobooth. Street food vendors will operate throughout the town, complementing the independent shops, pubs and eateries that organisers encourage attendees to explore. These elements are designed to ensure that the festival appeals to all ages, not just dedicated blues enthusiasts.

How can visitors book festival tickets and campsite spaces?

Tickets for the festival are selling quickly, but afternoon, evening, day and full weekend tickets remain available via the official website at www.bluesfestival.co.uk/tickets/. Camping bookings can be made through the same portal, with options for full-weekend stays or individual nights. Organisers note that buying a camping pass does not include access to the official music venues; separate tickets or wristbands must be purchased for entry to the Pendle Hippodrome, Muni Theatre and The Little Theatre. Last-minute venue tickets may be obtained at Colne Town Hall from Thursday 21 August, subject to availability.

Why is the 2026 festival considered a landmark anniversary event?

This year marks the 35th edition of the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, a milestone that coincides with its second consecutive win for UK Blues-Based Festival of the Year at the 2026 UK Blues Federation Awards. The accolade also secured the festival’s place in the UK Blues Hall of Fame, recognising its enduring contribution to the national blues scene. Festival Organiser Simon Shackleton said:

“We’re incredibly proud of the line-up we’ve put together for our 35th anniversary… I genuinely believe this is one of our strongest programmes yet.”

The return of the Muni Theatre as a venue—first used in the inaugural 1990 festival—adds further symbolic weight to the anniversary celebrations.
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What transport and accommodation alternatives exist for non-campers?

For visitors who prefer not to camp, Colne offers a range of inspected accommodations promoted by Pendle Tourism Board, including restored mansions with leisure facilities, small B&Bs, and award-winning self-catering cottages. The town centre’s compact layout means many venues are within walking distance, while the free shuttle service from the campsite provides an additional transport option for those staying further afield. Organisers recommend booking early, as the bank holiday weekend typically sees high demand across all accommodation types.

When should prospective attendees finalise their plans for the festival?

With campsite spaces now limited and festival tickets described as “selling fast”, organisers are urging interested attendees to finalise bookings promptly. Nathan Cutler of Colne Town Council reiterated the time-sensitive nature of availability:

“There is so much happening this year, from 50 fantastic artists across our three main stages to the Official Fringe and a huge amount of family entertainment throughout the town.”

Prospective visitors are advised to secure both camping and performance tickets via the official website to avoid disappointment as the August bank holiday approaches.