As Maryport Blues Festival looks set to return for another successful year, speculation abounds as to what top international talent will appear in the town.

With a brand-new format which sees all musicians performing on the same large outdoor stage, there’s a real community spirit behind this year’s festival, which has seen local blues enthusiasts raise money to ensure the smooth running of the event.

The 2018 Maryport Blues Festival will be the last to be organised by veteran promoters Debra Park and her husband David, who have led the event since it first began in 1999.
The line-up features an eclectic mix of home-grown and international talent, including the following performers:

Danny Bryant

Blues guitar maestro Danny Bryant is no stranger to Maryport – he credits the festival with having kick-started his career, and will be performing at the event for free this year as a labour of love for a festival which first provided him with a platform to introduce his innovative blues-rock style. Danny will be appearing off the back of a European and UK tour which takes him as far afield as Poland.

The Plott Hounds

Minneapolis, MN-based Americana act The Plott Hounds have been captivating audiences since 2015. This year they will be burning the midnight oil, on a stretch which takes them the length-and-breadth of the United States, before embarking on a tour of the UK this July, including a stop off at Maryport Blues Festival. The band blends funky blues, Southern rock n’ roll and outlaw country ballads to raucous effect.

Brian Rawson

Brian Rawson has previously toured with the likes of Thin Lizzy, Dexy’s Midnight Runners and Doll by Doll. His Glaswegian contemporary blues outfit – completed by vocalist Peter Scallan, keyboardist Al Hearton, bass player Jay Jay McMeekin and drummer Tom Potter are making their way to Maryport for what promises to be an exciting show.

Maryport Blues Festival takes place on Friday 27 -29 July. Tickets go on sale soon. For further information and line-up updates, visit www.maryportbluesfestival.com.