Some of the biggest names on the UK Blues scene are coming together in a special one-day festival to celebrate the history of British Blues and raise money for charity.
The legendary Dr Feelgood, Paul Jones, Mollie Marriott, and many others will be performing at the Indigo at The O2 on Sunday 23rd February next year, all to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity. The concert is the idea of UK blues band The Milk Men, with Manfred Mann legend Paul Jones compering the event, as well as performing.
Also on the bill will be UK Top 10 albums act When Rivers Meet, and the Cinelli Brothers. Hosts The Milk Men will open the Festival. Additionally UK vocal royalty Jo Harman will perform an exclusive tribute to the women in UK blues (and soul and more). More names and surprise guests will be added to the bill.
Milkfest will run from 3pm to 11pm, with a special readmission policy allowing ticketholders to pass in and out of the venue leaving them free to enjoy the O2’s restaurants, bars and shops throughout the day.
Milk Men guitarist and event organiser Adam Norsworthy said, “The British Blues scene is very healthy and vibrant at the moment. We want to celebrate the music in all its different forms by bringing together some of the best acts we have seen and played with over the years. Brain Tumour funding is criminally low for a disease which is tragically taking more lives – many of them under 40. We are keen to raise awareness of this issue at the same time as celebrating this wonderful music.”
Claire Howells from the Brain Tumour Charity added: “Some incredible performers are throwing their musical weight behind Milkfest ‘25 next February and we’re extremely grateful for their ongoing support. It will be a fantastic celebration of the UK Blues scene. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of the under 40s and, unlike other cancers, survival rates have not improved over the last 40 years. We are leading the way in changing this. Through the efforts of all those working towards Milkfest we can change these shocking statistics in the future and bring hope to the thousands of people who are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year. A huge thank you from all of us.”
Richard Dunning from the UK Blues Federation said: “Once again the UK blues community comes together to show their commitment to doing good. The UK Blues Federation are delighted to be involved in this event and for such a worthy cause.”
Every two hours someone in the UK is diagnosed with a brain tumour. Brain tumours continue to kill more children and people under 40 than any other cancer, yet brain tumour research represents just 1.37% of national spend on cancer.
Tickets now on sale, available from the venue and HERE
For updates on festival info and the line-up visit https://www.themilkmenmusic.com/milkfest.html