UK Blues Awards 2026 set for The Stables MK this April
The UK Blues Awards return for 2026 with an evening celebrating the very best of British and international blues, taking place at The Stables, Milton Keynes, on Wednesday 8th April.
The 2026 awards arrive at a time of renewed global interest in blues music, following the success of the film Sinners, which recently secured four Academy Awards and has helped bring the genre to wider audiences.
The ceremony will be hosted by Paul Jones. As a founding member of Manfred Mann, a seasoned blues performer, and long-time presenter of BBC Radio 2’s The Blues Show from 1985 to 2018, Paul has spent decades at the heart of the genre, bringing both deep knowledge and a natural authority to the role of host.
A total of 15 awards will be presented on the night, spanning categories including Best Traditional Blues Act, Best Contemporary Blues Act, Unsung Hero, and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Organised by the UK Blues Federation, the awards are the official national recognition of blues talent across the UK. The Federation exists to support, promote and connect the British blues community - from emerging artists and grassroots venues through to established acts - while also representing the UK on the international blues stage.
The evening will also feature live performances from a selection of UK and international blues artists. As is tradition, the full performance line-up remains under wraps until the night itself, but previous editions have featured appearances from Dom Martin, Elles Bailey, When Rivers Meet, Toby Lee and Kyla Brox
The nominees are chosen annually by the members of the UK Blues Federation, then went to public vote that closed on March 1st. Among this year’s nominees, Alice Armstrong (Contemporary Blues Act of the Year) and Oli “Mississippi” Macdonald (Traditional Blues Act of the Year) are both aiming to secure their third wins in their respective categories, facing strong competition in what promises to be a closely contested year.
For music fans, the UK Blues Awards offer a rare opportunity to experience the breadth of the British blues scene in one evening — from established names to rising talent — in an intimate live setting. Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm start, so don’t miss this chance to see and mingle amongst the cream of the UK blues scene.
Limited tickets remain available, and can be secured via The Stables MK website: