The Gloucester Rhythm and Blues Festival (Saturday 21 - Sunday 29 July) takes over the city for a jam-packed festival of live music with nearly 70 live performances in the city's pubs and cafes over nine days.

The long-running festival opens with a special preview night (9pm Friday) at the Dick Whittington with the D. B. Smith Band. Then on Saturday, the festival kicks into overdrive with seven gigs including a performance from Blues supergroup Hipkiss, fronted by the 2012 British Blues Award-winning saxophonist, Patsy Gamble, and Muddy Manninen (ex-Wishbone Ash).

Highlights include former European Blues Challenge winners Max and Veronica from Milan, Innes Sibun Band, Buzzin' Hornets, Oliver Darling And The Dirty Robbers, Storm Warning and the critically acclaimed Elles Bailey Band whose 2017 debut album 'Wildfire' earned rave reviews. Maverick Magazine gave 'Wildfire' top marks (5/5) calling every song 'Fresh & Original' and Blues In Britain reminding us that 'It's a fact that very few make it to the big stage but Elles Bailey has the necessary talent, the drive, and now the product.' She has been nominated for this year's Best Female Act at the European Blues Awards and has scooped another 4 nominations at the British Blues Awards.

On Wednesday 25 July, The Cross Keys Inn hosts the official Blues Festival Open Mic hosted by Mark Cole. Expect a few surprise guests popping in to play with the Sons of the Delta front man. On the closing weekend, both the Dick Whittington and Café Rene will have outdoor stages.

The venues involved are:

• Angie's Bar - Bull Lane

• Café René - Southgate Street

• Cross Keys Inn - Cross Keys Lane

• Dick Whittington - Westgate Street

• The Fountain Inn - Westgate Street

• Gloucester Brewery - Gloucester Docks

• The Old Bell - Southgate Street

• Peppers Café - Bull Lane

• The Tall Ship - Southgate Street

• Tank - Gloucester Docks

Gloucester Rhythm & Blues is a mainstay of Gloucester's Summer of Music, Arts & Culture and is organised by Marketing Gloucester in association with Tim Porter and supported by Gloucester City Council.

The full schedule can be found here or visit the Facebook Page .