The Finest One-Day International Blues Line-Up in the UK
On Saturday 28 March 2026, the Highlands will host what promises to be the most powerful, electrifying and unmissable blues event of the year. The Inverness International Blues Festival arrives at the historic Northern Meeting Park with a world-class, one-day international line-up that rivals major UK city festivals!
This is not a small local gathering. This is a carefully curated international blues celebration featuring Grammy nominees, Blues Music Award winners, Chicago legends and rising UK stars. For one day only, Inverness becomes the beating heart of global blues.
Tickets are available now, and demand is building fast.
A World Class International Blues Line Up in Inverness
From 12.00 to 23.00, the Big Top at Northern Meeting Park will host a non-stop programme of elite blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll.
Headliners: True Blues Royalty
The Fabulous Thunderbirds (USA)
Blues icons from Austin, Texas. For more than three decades, they have defined American blues rock with hits such as Tuff Enuff and Wrap It Up. Led by harmonica legend Kim Wilson, this European exclusive appearance in Inverness is a rare opportunity to witness living blues history.
Southern Avenue (USA)
Grammy-nominated and Blues Music Award-winning, this Memphis family band delivers uplifting, gospel-infused blues and modern soul. Their live performances are renowned for powerful harmonies, driving grooves and explosive stage energy.
Alvin Youngblood Hart (USA)
Grammy-nominated and WC Handy Award winner, Hart is one of the world’s leading country blues practitioners. A multi-instrumentalist with an extraordinary range, his set will blend Delta blues, roots rock and American musical heritage into something unforgettable.
Chicago Blues Legends
Robbin Kapsalis (USA)
Oscar Wilson (USA)
with Giles Robson (UK)
Authentic Chicago blues arrives in Inverness. Robbin Kapsalis and Oscar Wilson bring the raw power of Chicago’s South Side, joined by award-winning harmonica virtuoso Giles Robson. This collaboration alone would headline many festivals across the UK.
Outstanding UK Talent
Alice Armstrong (UK)
UK Blues Awards Contemporary Artist of the Year, delivering commanding R&B vocals and an electric stage presence.
West Weston’s Bluesonics (UK)
Chicago and West Coast style harmonica mastery, led by one of Europe’s most respected blues players.
The Future Shape of Sound (UK)
A high energy fusion of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel and soul that transforms every stage into a spectacle.
All Weather Big Top at Northern Meeting Park
The festival takes place inside a spacious Big Top Tent, ensuring a full concert experience, whatever the Highland weather delivers.
- Professional staging and sound production
- Covered stage so the fun continues no matter the weather
- Central Inverness location
- Immersive festival atmosphere
This is a comfortable, high-quality live music environment designed for serious music fans who want to enjoy every note.
Why This Is the Finest One-Day Blues Festival in the UK
Few festivals deliver this level of international pedigree in a single day.
We are bringing together:
- Grammy-nominated artists
- Blues Music Award winners
- Chicago blues heritage performers
- Exclusive European appearances
- A full day of live music
For blues enthusiasts, this is essential. For general music fans, it is an opportunity to experience something rare and powerful in the Highlands.
Secure Your Tickets Now
Events of this calibre do not come to Inverness often. This is a rare opportunity to experience the finest one-day international blues line-up in the UK without travelling to London, Manchester or overseas.
Saturday 28 March 2026
12.00 – 23.00
Northern Meeting Park, Inverness
Tickets are available online, and early booking is strongly recommended.
Getting to the Inverness International Blues Festival
Northern Meeting Park is centrally located within Inverness and easily accessible from across the Highlands. For those travelling from surrounding areas, pre-booking transport ensures a relaxed and stress-free festival day. Inverness Taxis provides reliable local transport to and from the event, helping you arrive comfortably and return home safely after an unforgettable night of world-class blues in the heart of the Highlands.
Festival Accommodation & Exclusive Hotel Offers
If you are travelling to Inverness for the festival weekend, a range of exclusive accommodation offers has been made available through participating Highland hotels. With thousands expected to attend, securing your room early is strongly recommended.
Kingsmills Hotel: Complete Blues Weekend Package
For those wanting the full festival experience, Kingsmills Hotel is offering a two-night Blues Weekend Package that includes:
• Two nights’ bed and breakfast
• Two tickets to the Blues Dinner on Friday, 27 March
• Two tickets to the Inverness International Blues Festival on Saturday 28 March
• Two tickets to the Sunday Lunch with live blues on Sunday 29 March
• Complimentary leisure club access
• Free on-site parking
£240 per guest based on two adults sharing.
This package offers a complete festival weekend in one booking.
Bed and Breakfast Festival Rates
A selection of Inverness hotels is also offering special bed and breakfast rates for the weekend:
Kingsmills Hotel
Classic King or Twin Room
£125 per night based on two adults sharing
Ness Walk
Laurel King or Twin Room
Approximately 0.5 miles from Northern Meeting Park
£185 per night based on two adults sharing
Glen Mhor Hotel
River Ness location
Complimentary upgrade subject to availability
Approximately 0.5 miles from Northern Meeting Park
£190 per night based on two adults sharing
Tel: 01463 234308
Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
Just 0.2 miles from Northern Meeting Park
Friday 27 March: £129
Saturday 28 March: £139
Sunday 29 March: £109
Tel: 01463 223243
B&B Hotels Inverness City Centre
Close to Inverness Railway Station
Saturday 28 March only
£89 single occupancy
£99 double occupancy
Tel: 01463 228850
Festival Room Discounts
Lochardil House
10% off best available rate
Valid Saturday 28 March
Tel: 01463 235995
Glenmoriston Town House
10% off best available rate
Approximately 0.6 miles from Northern Meeting Park
Valid Saturday 28 March
Tel: 01463 223777
AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness
5% off best available rate
Riverside location
Valid Saturday 28 March
Email: reservations.inver@achotelco51.com
Blues Dining Experiences at Kingsmills Hotel
Extend the celebration with live blues dining events across the weekend:
Blues Dinner Experience – Friday 27 March
Three-course dinner with live entertainment from Dancing with Sharks
£45 per guest
Blues Sunday Lunch – Sunday 29 March
Three-course lunch with live blues from Blueness
£40 per guest
Accommodation availability will tighten as the event approaches. Booking early ensures you can fully enjoy the festival weekend without last-minute stress.
