The Inverness International Blues Festival has confirmed the addition of an all weather Big Top venue and released a new promotional video as preparations continue for the major music event in Inverness.
The video is on Facebook: InvernessBluesFestival
The one day festival will take place on Saturday 28 March 2026 at Northern Meeting Park in Inverness.
The announcements were made at a media event attended by festival organisers, civic leaders and tourism partners as anticipation builds for what is being billed as one of the strongest blues line ups seen in the UK in years.
Provost of Inverness Glynis Campbell Sinclair confirmed that a large Big Top tent will be installed to ensure the festival runs comfortably whatever the weather.
She said the move was about giving audiences confidence while supporting local hospitality during the shoulder season.
“I am both excited and delighted to introduce our new Big Top venue which means the audience can enjoy this amazing blues experience whatever the weather.
“This is a great move forward not just for festival goers but for the local hospitality and business sector as we ensure this ambitious new venture runs smoothly in March.”
Organisers have also released a new promotional video showcasing the international artists set to perform, capturing the atmosphere and scale of the event in the historic setting of Northern Meeting Park.
Festival Artistic Director Kevin Hillier said the line up represents a deliberate return to the roots of blues as music for everyone.
“This will be the finest international one day blues line up seen in the UK for many years.
“We are taking the blues back to a time when it was played for anyone who loves music, not just enthusiasts, and I think a lot of people will be surprised.”
The festival opens at 1.15pm with Alice Armstrong, a double Contemporary Artist of the Year winner at the 2025 UK Blues Awards known for her powerful vocals and modern R and B edge.
At 2.30pm West Weston’s Bluesonics take the stage led by harmonica master Steve Weston, a longtime collaborator of Roger Daltrey and Mud Morganfield.
East London collective The Future Shape of Sound follow at 3.45pm with a high energy fusion of rock and roll, gospel and soul built for spectacle.
At 5pm Chicago blues icons Robbin Kapsalis and Oscar Wilson appear alongside Giles Robson, one of only three UK artists to win a Blues Music Award in Memphis.
Grammy nominated multi instrumentalist Alvin Youngblood Hart brings his thunderous country blues at 6.30pm, widely praised by artists including Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton.
At 7.45pm Memphis family band Southern Avenue deliver gospel fuelled modern soul rooted in classic blues tradition.
The festival closes at 9.15pm with Texas legends The Fabulous Thunderbirds led by harmonica icon Kim Wilson, a longtime favourite of Muddy Waters.
The Inverness International Blues Festival runs from 12.00pm to 10.30pm on Saturday 28 March 2026 at Northern Meeting Park.
Tickets available by clicking HERE
