Swanage Blues Festival
Steve Darrington, blues musician and festival organiser, visited Swanage for two days in the summer of 2000. He never left. “Swanage has that effect on people.” He organised the first blues event in 2001 and it grew from there.
Swanage Blues Festival transforms the town's streets, pubs, and restaurants into a harmonious celebration of blues music twice a year. Fans flock to Swanage from miles around, drawn not only by the town's charm, quirky venues, and friendly locals but also by the festival's commitment to delivering high quality performances.
Held at venues across Swanage and Purbeck, the festival turns the town into a lively party. The autumn festival showcased a staggering 50 performances across 15 venues in just four days.
For attendees, the festival is not just about music; it's about soaking in the magic of Swanage. Festival organiser Steve Darrington reflects on the town's allure, saying, "There’s a magic here that’s been attracting visual and performing artists of all kinds for many years."
The festival's uniqueness lies not just in the music but in the atmosphere it creates. With mostly free performances, and a few venues charging a nominal fee, Swanage Blues Festival ensures that the joy of blues-based music is accessible to everyone.
A Town Transformed
Swanage Blues Festival brings around 2,000 musicians and fans together for fun, friendship, and fantastic music. The festival has consistently earned its place in the top five UK blues festivals, a testament to its enduring popularity.
Steve Darrington planted the seeds of the first Swanage Blues Festival in March 2001, and since then, it has evolved into a biannual extravaganza with additional festivals in October added in 2007. In 2012, the festival took a significant step by forming its own independent not-for-profit limited company, ensuring the protection of festival funds and introducing supporter wristbands.
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