Robert Plant, Bobby Womack, & Van Morrison to headline Bluesfest

Royal Albert Hall to host festival for the first time

By Scott Williams | Published: Tue 16th Jul 2013

BluesFest 2013 - Sensational Space Shifters ft Robert Plant
Photo credit: Scott Williams

BluesFest 2013

Tuesday 29th October to Friday 1st November 2013
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, City of Westminster, Greater London, SW7 2AP, England MAP
from £30 for headline shows
Daily capacity: 5,000

Sensational Space Shifters ft Robert Plant, Bobby Womack, and Van Morrison have been announced as topping the bill at BluesFest which returns to London between Tuesday 29th October and Friday 1st November 2013 at the Royal Albert Hall. This is the first full scale music festival of its kind to be hosted at the venue. Performances taking place not just in the main auditorium, but also in other spaces around the Hall during the daytime.

Now in it's third year BluesFest will each evening host two concerts, taking place in the early and late part of the evening in the main auditorium, with Robert Plant, Bobby Womack, Van Morrison, Gregory Porter, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Mavis Staples, Chris Rea, and more.

Throughout the day, four rooms will feature a variation of one-off intimate sessions featuring James Hunter, Marcus Bonfanti, Georgie Fame, Huey Morgan, Dr Feelgood, and more.

Plus a chance to see the instruments in action with some exclusive BluesFest sessions from a variety of emerging new talent such as Ben Montague.

Bluesfest will also celebrate the music of the recently departed legend, Bobby Bland with an All-Star line-up on the final evening.

Also confirmed is music journalist David Hepworth who will be conducting in conversation with interviews.

Continuing the festival theme, there will be various food and bar stalls, merchandise and stands all open throughout the day, it is the only opportunity for visitors to see the Royal Albert Hall host an event in this way and is a must for lovers of live music.

North America Guitars will showcase some of the finest instruments around from their unique collection of handmade acoustic and electric guitars.

In addition the Royal Albert Hall will open it’s vault of memorabilia that includes rock and roll artefacts from Eric Clapton, The Stones, BB King, Muddy Waters and many more.

Festival director Leo Green said, "I am thrilled that Bluesfest London 2013 line-up includes some true icons of Blues & Soul, as well as some of the greatest artists the following generations have to offer. We look forward to welcoming you all to the Royal Albert Hall for a superb BluesFest London 2013."

The idea of an international celebration of blues and jazz originated from the Marquee Club's enterprising young promoter Harold Pendleton, who played a key role in developing jazz and rock scenes in London, the original festival became a forerunner of today's Reading Festival.

Tickets will go on sale at 9am on Friday 19th July and start from £30 for headline shows, with a separate adult Daytime Stroller ticket available priced at £10 and free daytime entry for children. eFestivals will have links for you to buy tickets when they go on sale.




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