On Saturday, 28 March 2026, the Highlands will host one of the most exciting blues events the UK has seen in years. The Inverness International Blues Festival takes over Northern Meeting Park for a full day of world-class music, bringing together global icons, Chicago legends and outstanding UK talent under one roof.
For one unforgettable day, Inverness becomes the centre stage for international blues. If you are travelling from Aberdeen, this is the perfect excuse for a weekend road trip packed with music, atmosphere and Highland hospitality.
Tickets are already on sale, and demand is rising quickly.
A Truly International Line Up
From 12.00 to 23.00, the Big Top at Northern Meeting Park will host a packed programme of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll.
Headliners Bringing Blues Royalty to the Highlands
The Fabulous Thunderbirds (USA)
Austin, Texas, is home to legends who have shaped American blues rock for over three decades. Known for classics such as Tuff Enuff and Wrap It Up, and led by harmonica great Kim Wilson, this European exclusive performance is a rare chance to witness true blues history in action.
Southern Avenue (USA)
Grammy-nominated and Blues Music Award winners, this Memphis family band blends gospel harmonies, modern soul and driving blues grooves into an electrifying live show that lifts every crowd.
Alvin Youngblood Hart (USA)
A Grammy-nominated artist and WC Handy Award winner, Hart is one of the leading figures in contemporary country blues. Expect a powerful mix of Delta blues, roots rock and deep American musical heritage.
Authentic Chicago Blues Power
Robbin Kapsalis (USA)
Oscar Wilson (USA)
with Giles Robson (UK)
Bringing the raw energy of Chicago’s South Side, this collaboration alone would headline festivals across the country. Expect gritty vocals, masterful harmonica and pure blues authenticity.
Outstanding UK Talent
Alice Armstrong (UK)
UK Blues Awards Contemporary Artist of the Year, known for commanding R&B vocals and a magnetic stage presence.
West Weston’s Bluesonics (UK)
Chicago and West Coast style harmonica-driven blues from one of Europe’s most respected players.
The Future Shape of Sound (UK)
A vibrant fusion of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel and soul that turns every performance into a full-scale spectacle.
All Weather Comfort at Northern Meeting Park
The entire festival takes place inside a spacious Big Top tent, ensuring an immersive live music experience, whatever the Highland weather decides to do.
You can expect:
- Professional staging and sound production
- Covered concert environment
- Central Inverness location
- A lively, welcoming festival atmosphere
It is designed for genuine music fans who want to enjoy every note from start to finish.
Why This Festival Stands Out
Very few UK events manage to bring together this level of international talent in a single day.
This one delivers:
- Grammy-nominated artists
- Blues Music Award winners
- Chicago blues heritage performers
- Exclusive European appearances
- A full 11 hours of live music
For dedicated blues lovers, it is essential. For anyone who enjoys outstanding live performance, it is a rare opportunity without travelling to London or overseas.
Travelling from Aberdeen
The journey from Aberdeen to Inverness takes around two and a half hours by road, making it ideal for a weekend escape. Whether you are planning a day return or staying overnight, organising transport in advance makes the experience far more relaxed.
At Aberdeen Taxis, we can:
- Provide comfortable long-distance transfers to and from Inverness
- Arrange group travel for friends attending together
- Offer early morning or late-night return journeys
- Ensure a safe and reliable trip home after a full day of music
Pre-booking your transport means you can focus entirely on enjoying the festival.
Make It a Full Weekend Experience
If you are staying over, several Inverness hotels are offering special festival rates and exclusive packages for the weekend.
Kingsmills Hotel Blues Weekend Package
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Kingsmills Hotel
A complete two-night Blues Weekend Package includes:
- Two nights bed and breakfast
- Two tickets to the Blues Dinner on Friday, 27 March
- Two tickets to the festival on Saturday, 28 March
- Two tickets to Sunday Lunch with live blues
- Complimentary leisure club access
- Free on-site parking
£240 per guest based on two adults sharing.
Other Festival Accommodation Options
Ness Walk
Laurel King or Twin Room
Around 0.5 miles from Northern Meeting Park
£185 per night based on two adults sharing
Glen Mhor Hotel
River Ness location
Approximately 0.5 miles from the venue
£190 per night based on two adults sharing
Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa
Just 0.2 miles from Northern Meeting Park
Festival weekend rates available
B&B Hotels Inverness City Centre
Close to Inverness Railway Station
Saturday night rates from £89 single occupancy
The Inverness International Blues Festival promises to be one of the most exciting one-day music events in the UK in 2026. If you are travelling from Aberdeen, let Aberdeen Taxis take care of the journey so you can sit back, relax and look forward to an unforgettable day of world-class blues in the Highlands.