The UK Blues Awards 2025 showcased all that is great about the UK Blues Scene. Bringing all together including artists, promoters, festival organisers, photographers, journalists and crucially the committed audience who together support Blues music in all its genres. It was like a family affair. The atmosphere was friendly and everyone mingled. It was like an A-Z of Who’s Who in the UK Blues world. Fans had their photos taken with their favourite artists. And the artists showed no standoffishness. Indeed all of those finalists all deserved to be up there accepting awards. The combined talent showed that the Blues is alive and well. As for the winners it was their time. And the finalists there seemed genuinely pleased for them. Such is the collaborative community spirit of the UK Blues Scene. Paul Jones The former BBC Blues Broadcaster was the MC. Such a smooth style and delivery made for a seamless evening.

So now for the awards. Congratulations to the winners.

Zac Schulze won Young Artist of the Year. His energy and packed touring schedule proved it. Blue Nation won Emerging Act of The Year and their trajectory is firmly upwards. A deserved recipient of The Unsung Hero of the Year was the work of The Music Venue Trust championing the Blues cause. The Great British R & B Festival were named as the Festival of the Year. Beth Hart was crowned International Blues Artist of the Year and accepted her win on screen. As did Dom Martin who won Instrumentalist of the Year. Dave Kelly was rightfully honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award and his musical pal Paul Jones was so delighted for him. Ollie Mississippi MacDonald was awarded Acoustic Act of the Year and performed with Paul Jones. Richard and Ros Dunning of The Tuesday Night Music Club accepted the Club/Venue of the Year. Deservedly so. Their dedicated hard work and loyal following has produced a superb club championing great artists and music. Connor Selby who is a young master of his craft took the Traditional Blues Artist of the Year. Alice Armstrong fresh from winning The 2025 European Blues Challenge was crowned Contemporary Artist of the Year. Congratulations are also due to Brave Rival for winning Blues Band of the Year. The delight on their faces on stage was a delight to witness

The Queen of the night was Elles Bailey. Winning three awards - Broadcaster of the Year for her radio show on Planet Rock, Blues Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for 'Beneath the Neon Glow'. Elles thoroughly deserved these wins. Indeed, the video of the UK Blues Awards 2025 awards ceremony and music is available from the UK Blues Federation on YouTube and is well worth a watch. A super, most memorable evening.

Review and Photos: Denise Lester