Free blues festival returns to Dewsbury Train Station for a third year

There is an old, romantic connection between railways and the blues - a genre born from train whistles, travelling showmen, and the steady cadence of boxcars rolling down the track.

For two years, West Yorkshire music fans have been quietly celebrating that connection in one of the most unique venues on the regional circuit: Platform 3 of Dewsbury Railway Station.

This September, the free-entry ‘Bluesbury’ festival returns to the West Riding Beerhouse for its third iteration.

What began as a passionate collaboration between blues vocalist Pat Fulgoni and the Huddersfield Blues Club has rapidly expanded into a standout weekend on the regional arts calendar, packing the station platform to capacity in back-to-back years.

Running from September 11 to 13, the 2026 lineup bridges the gap between transatlantic legends, rising UK talent, and deeply personal community stories.

Friday evening opens with a genuine heavy hitter in Mississippi MacDonald; fresh from his 2026 induction into the UK Blues Hall of Fame, the London-born singer and guitarist brings a sound steeped in classic Stax soul and Memphis grit.

Having recently cut tracks at Royal Studios alongside Grammy-winning producer Boo Mitchell, MacDonald’s headlining set promises to bring genuine Beale Street authority straight to the Dewsbury concourse.

Sharing the opening night ticket are The Whisky Flowers, fresh from taking home Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2026 UK Blues Awards with their blistering blend of Southern rock and Americana, alongside explosive Canadian guitarist Gary Cain.

While the festival offers three days of free live performance, Saturday’s programming turns its focus toward music’s power to heal.

The day is dedicated to The Swan Song Project, a remarkable local charity that works with individuals facing end-of-life or bereavement, helping them write, record, and leave behind original songs for their families.

Charity founder Ben Buddy Slack will take to the stage for a solo acoustic performance, heading up an emotionally charged Saturday bill. Among the highlights is Burning Rope, a new collective formed by former members of the award-winning blues band Catfish following the death of frontman Matt Long in late 2024.

The Saturday lineup rounds out with Manchester harmonica mainstay Franny Eubank, the hard-driving John Montana Trio, and the delightfully eccentric Ugly Mug Jug Band, who perform on a collection of handmade instruments ranging from tea-chest basses to antique seven-string banjos.

The weekend draws to a close on Sunday afternoon with the festival's traditional 'Blues Train' session. Headlining are London R’n’B outfit The Milk Men - a high-octane ensemble boasting serious British rock heritage, featuring former Pirate Mike Roberts on drums and Lloyd Green, son of the late guitar icon Mick Green.

Local talent remains front and centre until the final chord, with performances from acoustic craftsman John Carroll and an all-star collaborative ensemble from the Huddersfield Blues Club, featuring jazz saxophonist Rod Mason and festival organizer Pat Fulgoni.

Bluesbury takes place at the West Riding Beerhouse, Platform 3, Dewsbury Train Station on September 11 - 13. Admission is free but early arrivals are advised.