If you’re not already shivering in anticipation of the Tenby Blues Festival 2024, then you’re probably living under a rock—or maybe you just haven’t been subjected to enough blues music yet. This November 8 through 10, the tiny Welsh seaside town of Tenby will once again become the unlikely capital of live blues. It’s the kind of festival where people come for the music and stay for the chance to say, “Wow, it’s cold here in November.”
Now, you might be wondering what exactly makes Tenby, a quaint town better known for its pastel houses and family-friendly beaches, a hotspot for blues. Honestly? Nobody really knows. But for one weekend, this sleepy coastal spot comes alive with the raw, gritty sound of some of the best blues musicians you’ve probably never heard of (yet).
A Brief History of the Tenby Blues Festival: Or Why Does This Festival Even Exist?
The Tenby Blues Festival has been running for over a decade, but you won’t find any overly pretentious origin stories here. Instead of some grand tale of musical revolution, this festival began with a bunch of locals who just wanted to liven up their off-season. After all, by November, most of Tenby is huddled indoors with hot chocolate (or something stronger). Why not add some blues to the mix?
Fast-forward to 2024, and Tenby’s Blues Festival has become a must-attend for music fans, especially those who enjoy live music in places where you’ll inevitably need a scarf. If you’re imagining balmy weather and sunshine to accompany your blues, you’re definitely at the wrong festival. But if you’re after great music in a cozy pub atmosphere—or potentially a windblown street—then keep reading.
The Lineup: Because You’re Actually Here for the Music (Right?)
This year, Tenby Blues Festival isn’t just some throwaway weekend of amateur jam sessions. No, we’ve got some proper headliners! You’ll be jamming (and maybe dodging Welsh rain) to the tunes of the Ian Siegal Band, Hamilton Loomis Band, and Sister Suzie Band.
Let’s break that down:
- Ian Siegal Band: Let’s get one thing clear—if you haven’t heard of Ian Siegal, you haven’t heard the blues. Ian’s been hailed as one of the UK’s best blues performers. His voice? Rougher than a post-Tenby pint of whatever-ales-you. His guitar? Razor-sharp. You’re not just watching a performance—you’re witnessing a masterclass in how to shred the blues.
- Hamilton Loomis Band: Hailing from Texas, Hamilton Loomis brings some serious American blues energy to Wales. Expect an explosive performance. You’ll probably forget you’re in Wales and not some sweaty, smoky bar in the deep South—until, you know, the icy coastal breeze hits your face. It’ll be worth it.
- Sister Suzie Band: Suzie? Oh, she’s just your regular powerhouse vocalist who will belt out tunes so fierce they’ll knock the seagulls out of the sky. This isn’t your aunt Suzie, this is Sister Suzie—and her blues is so good it might make you forgive Tenby for not being 20 degrees warmer in November.
When and Where to Catch the Action
Mark your calendars (or write it on the back of your hand), because the Tenby Blues Festival 2024 will be rocking from 8–10 November. Venues will range from cosy pubs to bigger stages scattered around the town. So yes, you’ll be bouncing from one venue to another in what might feel like a never-ending pub crawl—though there’s no harm in considering it one.
Friday and Saturday night gigs will have you swinging into the wee hours, while Sunday rounds it off with a classic bluesy send-off. Keep an eye out for surprise performances and spontaneous jam sessions; this festival has a way of turning any street corner into an impromptu gig.
Why You Should Attend: Because Staying Home Would Be Boring
There are plenty of reasons to attend the Tenby Blues Festival 2024, and no, they don’t all involve getting day-drunk in a pub (though that’s certainly a perk). Here’s why you should drag yourself to this charming coastal town:
- The Music: You’ll see top-tier blues talent without the massive crowds or eye-watering ticket prices of bigger festivals. You can actually get up close and personal with these musicians—without needing binoculars to spot the stage.
- The Atmosphere: Tenby has a charm that’s hard to beat. Sure, it might be chilly in November, but there’s something about the mix of salty air, great music and cosy pubs that makes this festival stand out.
- The Adventure: It’s a coastal blues festival in November—what more do you need? Wind, sea, beer, blues. Throw in some dodgy dancing and you’ve got the perfect weekend.
- The Pub Food: Let’s not pretend otherwise—you’ll need sustenance to soak up all that music and beer. Welsh pub grub? It’s exactly what you need to fuel your blues marathon.
See You (and Your Scarf) at Tenby Blues Festival 2024!
So, if you’re up for an off-season seaside adventure, the Tenby Blues Festival 2024 is the place to be. Between the Ian Siegal Band’s blistering guitar solos, Hamilton Loomis’s Texan blues, and Sister Suzie’s powerful vocals, it’s a weekend packed with more musical talent than Tenby knows what to do with.
Just don’t forget your coat. We’ll see you there—somewhere between the pub and the stage.
