Blues Weekender Festival is back with another outstanding lineup

26 Aug 25
by Nathon Jones

---

Over 12th & 13th September, The Vault Arts Centre hosts the 4th annual Blues Weekender Festival, featuring the best in blues from Ireland, England and Scotland! The Stonecold Hobo & Old Scratch + Bluesy Susi & Bottleneck Blake and The Violet Hours + Easy Does It. 4 great acts over two days.

The Stonecold Hobo & Old Scratch

This year's festival opens at 7pm on Friday 12th September with performances by The Stonecold Hobo & Old Scratch + Bluesy Susi & Bottleneck Blake.

The Stonecold Hobo is a singer/songwriter from Co. Louth, Ireland. Martin’s set contains re-interpretations of blues classics, interwoven with self-penned compositions. Martin is accompanied by Old Scratch a fellow slide guitar picker with a penchant for the old tones of the Louisiana swamps.

The Stonecold Hobo (Martin Cummins) is a singer/songwriter from Co. Louth, Ireland. Martin’s set contains re-interpretations of blues classics, interwoven with self-penned compositions. ‘A master of slide guitar’, Martin’s original work reflects classic blues players such as Elmore James, Robert Johnson and ‘Mississippi’ Fred McDowell, with a nod to players like Rory Gallagher and Jimmy Page.

Martin is accompanied  by Old Scratch (Sean O'Hara) a fellow slide guitar picker with a penchant for the old tones of the Louisiana swamps and the Mississippi Delta.

Support is from local queen of the blues, the fabulous Bluesy Susi with accompaniment from outstanding slide guitarist, Bottleneck Blake.

The festival continues from 7pm on Saturday 13th September with performances from The Violet Hours + Easy Does It.

The Violet Hours are known in the blues-Americana scene for their soul-stirring sounds and evocative story-telling. Fronted by Preston-based singer-songwriter Helen May, alongside the accomplished guitarist Chris Preston, the band crafts fresh takes on blues and country rock while carving out a signature style of their own.

Formed in April 2023, Chris and Helen share a love of expressive melodies and lyric driven storytelling. Helen’s background in journalism shapes the vivid, emotionally resonant lyrics at the heart of their songs, while Chris brings a depth of experience and tone to the sound.

Their latest EP named ‘The 3 Colours of Heartbreak’, now streaming on all major platforms, features 3 intimate and powerful acoustic tracks - ‘Where were you’, ‘Let it burn’ and ‘Sorry’ - each offering a different take on heartbreak and resilience

.Helen and Chris perform as a duo and also recruit stand out musicians to deliver a full band show. The Violet Hours bring emotionally charged sets that are eclectic - taking the audience on a journey from sadness and remorse to joy and groove. They have already made an impression at venues and festivals across the country, including Colne Blues (Great British Rhythm &Blues Festival), and Diseworth Blues who describe them as being ‘one of the hottest acts on the circuit’.

"What an amazing gig from The Violet Hours at Diseworth Blues. A mixed set of blues and rock with some beautiful acoustic numbers thrown in.  The Diseworth Blues audience were treated to 2 hours of sheer bliss from one of the hottest acts on the circuit. Helen May’s vocals are to die for and there can be few better guitarists than Chris Preston, backed by a super tight band." - Diseworth Blues (July 2025)

"Chris’ smooth acoustic phrasings and Helen’s lovely voice, combine to evoke a sense of time and place and draw you into their stories of lost love. Their songs are wistful and contemplative but they can also up the tempo when they want to." - Screaming Riffs (July 2025)

Support is from local blues harmonica legend, 'Easy', with accompaniment from guitarist and vocalist Nathon Jones; otherwise known, collectively, as 'Easy Does It'.

Friday 12th September 2025 / Doors 7pm / Entry £10 & £7.50 (12-25s)
The Stonecold Hobo & Old Scratch + Bluesy Susi & Bottleneck Blake
Book online at The Stonecold Hobo & Old Scratch + Bluesy Susi & Bottleneck Blake - Blues Weekender Festival

Saturday 13th September 2025 / Doors 7pm / Entry £10 & £7.50 (12-25s)
The Violet Hours + Easy Does It
Book online at The Violet Hours + Easy Does It - Blues Weekender Festival