A Grammy-nominated musician is set to take to the stage at this year's Dereham Blues Festival.

Danielle Nicole and her band will feature at the opening concert of the festival, which will run from July 5-July 9 at the memorial hall in Norwich Street, as well as other venues around the town.

And 18-year-old Ross Stewart from Long Stratton will play in support of Ms Nicole, who is known as a powerful blues vocalist from the USA.

Harry Collins, festival chairman, said: “I am so looking forward to this year’s festival again. 

"We came storming back last year after Covid and we are determined to keep going this 
year. As every year, the festival organisers want to thank all of Dereham for their continued enthusiastic support for the town’s festival, which genuinely puts Dereham on the map, this year from July 5 to 9. 

Dereham Times: Blues/soul musician Danielle Nicole is coming to the Dereham Blues Festival - Picture: Creative Commons / AtaelwBlues/soul musician Danielle Nicole is coming to the Dereham Blues Festival - Picture: Creative Commons / Ataelw (Image: Creative Commons / Ataelw)

“We are determined to build on last year’s triumphant festival return, after a two-year break.

"It is a testament to everyone’s commitment in the town to this unique and special free-to-attend festival continues to go from strength to strength.”

The blues festival, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, will feature more acts playing in different venues across the town than in previous years. 

Ms Nicole, who is known for her "distinctive, inventive bass work”, became the first woman ever to be nominated in the category of bass instrumentalist in the Blues Foundation's Blues Music Awards, in 2012.

She went on to win the honour a second time. 

Dereham Times: Dereham Blues Festival returns for 2022Dereham Blues Festival returns for 2022 (Image: Archant 2022)

 

Dereham Times: Danielle Nicole and her band will provide the opening concert for the festival which kicks off on July 5 at the memorial hall.Danielle Nicole and her band will provide the opening concert for the festival which kicks off on July 5 at the memorial hall. (Image: Archant © 201101603 772434)

And following the festival, the Norfolk Blues Society’s 'blues busk' event will return to the town centre on Saturday, July 8.

Tickets for the festival opening gig go on sale on March 1 from www.ticketsource.co.uk.

To find out more about the festival visit www.derehambluesfestival.org.uk.