TOP blues artist Aynsley is to close Cheltenham’s annual Open-Air Theatre Festival at the Bacon Theatre's Tuckwell Amphitheatre next Friday, August 4.

After selling out at Cheltenham's Vonnies Blues Club in 2016 and 2017, Aynsley has been persuaded to do a second and bigger gig in aid of Lifting The Blues, raising money for mental health charities.

“I am very excited about this open-air gig,” said Dave Jones of Vonnies.

“Blues picnics have a long tradition in the Southern States of the USA. When the temperature rose, the music moved outside, so I thought we should too. 

“Lifting the Blues has a long and happy association with the Bacon team in bringing top quality music to Cheltenham, while raising many thousands of pounds for Gloucestershire charities. This gig will be no exception.” 

Aynsley and his band will be showcasing his new and critically-acclaimed album Home, which is out now from his own label, Straight Talkin’ Records. The album has received some of his best reviews yet.

“Music is a release for me. When I play, I get lost in it and it’s a very happy place to be,” said Aynsley.  

Lifting The Blues is at the Bacon Tuckwell Amphitheatre on August 4. All proceeds go to Lifting The Blues, to help the loved ones and carers of people suffering from mental illness.  

Tickets cost £20. Call the box office on 01242 258002 or visit bacontheatre.co.uk