Café Rene will once again be hosting their Rhythm and Blues Festival this month.

The venue is well known in Gloucester as one of the best locations for live music, and the annual festival is often one of the most popular events.

“We very much look forward to the Blues Festival,” said Jojo Roche who works at Café Rene.

“It makes for an amazing atmosphere across the city and we are so proud to host such outstanding artists with such a high calibre of music.”

The festival runs from Monday 29th July to Sunday 4th August, and alongside the music features a host of food and drink on offer.

Jojo continued: “We get a fantastic response from visitors to the Blues Festival and always receive compliments on the pig roast, BBQ, range of beers and ciders, the line up and the friendly nature of all those attending and working the event.

“We see blues fans return year on year to enjoy the music bringing family and friends to relax on the green for the duration of the festival!”

This year’s line up includes artists and bands from all over the country.

Returning as headliners will be Willie and the Bandits, as well as the Stevie Nimmo Trio and Irish singer Grainne Duffy.

“This year we have 19 brilliant artists on the programme,” said Jojo. “We always make the artists feel welcome and are happy to say we have made some real friendships over the years.

“With artists spanning the rhythm and blues genre on the line up, be that modern and contemporary, traditional blues to rockin' blues, jug band blues and smericana with strong soulful vocals, there really is something for everyone and possibly something new to experience.”

The festival is free to enter, with the Café raising funds for Gloucestershire children’s charity the James Hopkins Trust.

Jojo added: “We have been raising funds for our chosen charity, the James Hopkins Trust for over five years and it really is an honour to support them and their amazing work with severely disabled children and the fantastic vital support given to their families.

“We encourage festival goers to donate to the trust by buying a wristband, programme or any donations into the collection buckets over the week for a great week of Rhythm and Blues music.”

For more information on the Rhythm and Blues Festival visit www.caferene.co.uk