A Night of Triumph for UK Blues
The UK Blues Awards 2025 delivered a night to remember, celebrating the artists, venues and festivals that keep British blues thriving. With Marshall leading the sponsorship charge, the awards shone a spotlight on the movers, shakers, and legends lighting up the scene.
Zac Schulze kicked things off, picking up Young Artist of the Year with a raw energy that’s impossible to ignore. Meanwhile, Blue Nation roared into the spotlight, grabbing Emerging Act of the Year and proving the future of blues is in good hands.
Behind the scenes, the tireless work of Music Venue Trust earned them Unsung Hero of the Year, a vital recognition of those fighting to keep live music alive.
Beth Hart took home International Blues Artist of the Year, her voice as powerful and unmissable as ever. And there was festival fever too, with the legendary Great British R&B Festival crowned Festival of the Year.
On the acoustic side, Mississippi MacDonald claimed Acoustic Act of the Year, while a true British blues icon, Dave Kelly, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award – a career worth celebrating in every sense.
And what a year it’s been for Elles Bailey:
- Blues Vocalist of the Year
- Broadcaster of the Year
- Album of the Year for Beneath the Neon Glow
A triple crown for an artist who’s truly at the top of her game.
The Tuesday Night Music Club took Club/Venue of the Year, a testament to the venues who champion grassroots talent every week.
Connor Selby kept the spirit of tradition alive, winning Traditional Blues Artist of the Year, while Dom Martin dazzled once again to claim Instrumentalist of the Year.
Alice Armstrong brought the fire and the flair to scoop Contemporary Artist of the Year, and Brave Rival cemented their place at the top of the scene as Blues Band of the Year.
WATCH THE WHOLE AWARD CEREMONY BELOW
From fresh faces to established greats, the 2025 awards proved that blues in the UK isn’t just surviving – it’s exploding with talent, heart and soul.
