London’s iconic 229 venue on Great Portland Street will host the January Blues Festival 2026, bringing together 19 nights of world-class blues performances between January 3-24. This month-long celebration of blues music is presented by AGMP Concerts in collaboration with Blues in Britain magazine and other partners.
The festival will feature 30 ticketed events throughout January, with the official festival window running from January 2 to 31. The venue will operate with a primarily standing layout, though limited reserved seating will be available for those with accessibility requirements. All attendees must be 18 or older to enter.
For visitors traveling to London, numerous accommodation options exist near the venue, including hotels, hostels, and guest houses, as this is a non-camping event. Tickets are available for individual shows at varying price points, with a limited number of full-festival passes for devoted blues fans. Early purchase is strongly recommended as shows are expected to sell out quickly. If you encounter any issues accessing event information on partner websites, this may be due to security measures temporarily restricting access.
The festival schedule avoids overlapping performances, focusing on one featured bill per night, typically with headline or co-headline acts plus support performers. Opening weekend will feature classic British band The Animals, led by founding drummer John Steel, alongside Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band. Other notable headliners include five-time GRAMMY nominee Robben Ford and three-time GRAMMY winner Fantastic Negrito, both performing exclusive two-night stands.
The lineup celebrates both heritage acts and contemporary talent. Legacy bands Ten Years After and Nine Below Zero will appear alongside modern blues and soul artists Eric Bibb, King King, Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado, and Danielle Nicole. The festival proudly showcases artists from UK, Europe, and North America, creating a truly international blues experience.
Special themed nights include The Blues Side of Fleetwood Mac on January 7. Throughout the festival, host DJ Snowboy will provide curated sets between and after live performances, enhancing the immersive blues experience.
The diverse programming offers blues enthusiasts an extensive showcase of the genre’s past, present, and future, making this month-long celebration a must-attend event for blues lovers across the UK and beyond.
