Whether you’re planning a jazz weekend or a long break, Tim Dickeson’s guide through the myriad of festivals across the UK and the continent is a must-read. All details may be subject to change so always check carefully before booking. Have a great festival season!
ABERDEEN JAZZ FESTIVAL, ABERDEEN: 14-24 MARCH
This year the Granite City offers 30 events with more than 100 artists. The diverse programme features Martin Taylor, Tommy Smith/Pete Johnstone, Sun Mi Hong, Michelle Wills, The Britta Virves Trio, corto.alto, Ali Afleck and the Aberdeen Jazz Orchestra performing Richard Michael’s Doric suite.
STEINWAY 2-PIANO FESTIVAL, PIZZA EXPRESS SOHO, LONDON: 21-27 MARCH
The extremely popular 2-Piano festival this year features among others: Carsten Dahl & Nikolaj Hess, Bill Sharpe & Don Grusin, Wendy Kirkland & Charu Suri, Ian Shaw & James Pearson and Sullivan Fortner & Sean Mason.
BANLIEUES BLEUES, PARIS: 8 MARCH-5 APRIL
This festival in the suburbs of Paris offers a mix of cutting-edge jazz and world music. Pedro Soler & Gasper Claus, Hollie Cook, Vieux Farke Touré, Julien Desprez, Boolvar & Black Lagoon feature this year.
JAZZFESTBRNO, BRNO, CZECH REPUBLIC: UNTIL 14 MAY
This year the festival offers concerts spread out over a three-month period featuring: Lakecia Benjamin, Trio Grande, Samara Joy, Gretchen Parlato/Lionel Loueke, Emmet Cohen, Snarky Puppy and others.
VOSSA JAZZ, VOSS, NORWAY: 22-24 MARCH
The festival located in the heart of Norway’s fjord country offers 35 shows over the weekend. Marius Neset, Karin Krog, Hanna Paulsberg, Marilyn Mazur, William Parker & Murray/ Håker Flaten/Nilssen-Love all feature, plus many more.
Leeds Jazz Festival
CULLY JAZZ, SWITZERLAND: 5-13 APRIL
Set on Lake Geneva’s shores, this festival boasts a very impressive programme that includes Avishai Cohen (trumpet), Dave Holland, Kyle Eastwood, Monty Alexander, Portico Quartet, Lakecia Benjamin/Dee Dee Bridgewater/Julie Campiche, Yaron Hermon, Elina Duni/Rob Luft and Nubya Garcia; in addition there is an impressive ‘off-fest’ programme.
JAZZAHEAD!, BREMEN, GERMANY: 11-13 APRIL
The jazz industry place to be to discover new and upcoming artists. With dozens of showcases and an exhibition hall brimming with record labels and promoters. Waving the UK flag this year are Sultan Stevenson, Matt Carmichael and Mama Terra. The featured country is the Netherlands – look out for the superb Ben van Gelder & Reinier Bass duo.
APRIL JAZZ, TAPIOLA ESPOO, FINLAND: 19-27 APRIL
A great festival just outside the Finnish capital with a few concerts this year in Helsinki itself. The impressive 2024 programme includes Christian McBride, James Brandon Lewis, Linda May Han Oh, Peter Evans, Alex Hawkins, Anton Eger/Morten Schantz, Immanuel Wilkins with the Espoo Big Band and many others.
JAZZFEST BONN, GERMANY: 19 APRIL- 1 MAY
A diverse mix of styles at the festival this year: Helge Lien, Viktoria Tolstoy, Linda May Han Oh, Richard Galliano, Julia Hülsmann, Lars Danielsson, Harold López-Nussa, Iiro Rantala plus many more.
JAZZKAAR, TALLINN, ESTONIA: 21 APRIL – 28 APRIL
This year’s artists include; Snarky Puppy, Christian McBride, Joep Beving, MonoNeon and many more. Tallinn is a fascinating, historic and beautiful city which is well worth a visit, especially during Spring festival time.
JAZZFEST GRONAU, GERMANY: 30 APRIL-5 MAY
An extravaganza with concerts and jazz themed events. Enjoy ‘Jazz & Dine’ shows at restaurants across the city, an outdoor swimming pool jazz concert, the K&K Music night with various stages and many bands; plus the weekend Jazz in the City event on multiple stages.
Inntone
THE RIBBLE VALLEY JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL, CLITHEROE: 3-6 MAY
A great weekend of music here over the Bank Holiday, featuring five headline acts and 40 free jazz gigs. Corto.alto, Nikki Illes, Emma Johnson and Unfurl are announced so far.
CHELTENHAM INT’L JAZZ FESTIVAL, CHELTENHAM, GLOS: 1-6 MAY
Cheltenham always delivers a diverse mix of top names and tons of choice. With various venues across the town, including the Parabola for hardened jazz fans, and the festival village with its Big Top, Jazz Arena and foods stalls, there’s something for everyone (see Page 4 for details).
XJazz Festival, Berlin, Germany 6-12 May
The extremely popular festival in the Kreuzberg area of Berlin has reached its 10th edition. Taking place in the lively Kreuzberg neighbourhood, across both intimate venues and iconic landmarks the festival highlights include Bill Frisell, Shabaka, Joe Armon-Jones, Omer Klein, Enemy, Portico Quartet, Nubyian Twist and many more.
MANCHESTER JAZZ FESTIVAL, MANCHESTER: 17-26 MAY
A great line-up for this year’s festival – John Surman, Courtney Pine, Laura Jurd, Nikki Illes Jazz Orchestra, Tim Garland, Julian Joseph, Trish Clowes and many more will appear at the Band on the Wall and Matt & Phreds among other top venues in the city.
JAZZ STROUD FESTIVAL, STROUD, GLOS: 23-26 MAY
Jazz Stroud is a fun weekend of alternative jazz sounds around this buzzing arts-loving Cotswold town. The full 2024 programme is out in April, with first names including a Tomorrrow’s Warriors Takeover on the opening night plus new band un.procedure featuring Cassie Kinoshi and Joe Armon-Jones.
SIDMOUTH INTERNATIONAL JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL, SIDMOUTH, DEVON: 23-27 MAY
This year’s programme includes three days of live music performances on the dedicated outdoor performance stage featuring among others; Tony Hadley, Ian Shaw, Ruby Turner, Roberto Fonseca, Roachford, Elles Bailey plus Mica Miller are booked and there’s a free educational programme of workshops, masterclasses and performances. In addition there are free live music events at many local venues.
LEEDS JAZZ FESTIVAL, LEEDS: 23-28 MAY
Courtney Pine, Alan Barnes, Fergus McCreadie, Nubiyan Twist, Phil Minton and a Tribute to Hermeto Pascoal by the Universal Musical Ensemble plus others are already booked for 2024. With outdoor and indoor venues with events across the city, there is a lot to see.
CROSS THE TRACKS JAZZ, FUNK & BLUES FESTIVAL, BROCKWELL PARK, LONDON: 26 MAY
A one-day festival with top names in South London’s Brockwell Park. Erykah Badu, Badbadnotgood, corto.alto, En Vogue, Gilles Peterson, Emma-Jean Thackray and many more shows, DJ Sets and performances have been lined up.
JAZZ SOUS LES POMMIERS, COUTANCES, FRANCE: 4 – 11 MAY
The ‘Jazz under the Apple Trees’ festival offers a brilliant, relaxing time in rural France, an easy Ferry crossing away by car. This year Brad Mehldau, Bill Frisell, Harold López-Nussa, Poetic Ways, GoGo Penguin and Kareen Guiock-Thurman are booked already.
LIKE A JAZZ MACHINE FESTIVAL, DUDELANGE, LUXEMBOURG: 8-12 MAY
An easy drive or short flight from the UK brings you to this great festival in Luxembourg. Curtis Stigers, Giovanni Guidi, Sun-Mi Hong, Claire Parsons, Maxime Bender, Seb Rochford, Airelle Besson and the Nova Quartet are among the artists playing this year.
MOERS JAZZ FESTIVAL, MOERS, GERMANY: 7-20 MAY
An interesting festival featuring a wide spectrum of improvised music. So far announced are Ruth Goller’s Skylla and Jambinai and the improviser in residence will be the Italian saxophonist Virginia Genta.
TRONDHEIM JAZZ FESTIVAL, TRONDHEIM, NORWAY: 10-19 MAY
A great festival set around the waterfront of this picturesque city. Playing this year are; Kyle Eastwood Symphonic, Judith Hill, Eyolf Dale, Jazzmeia Horn, Anthony Strong, Judy Dahle Aagård and many others.
JAZZ À SAINT GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS, PARIS, FRANCE: 13-21 MAY
A fabulous festival in the centre of Paris with top name artists – the event boasts unique concerts in exceptional venues, some of which are free to enter. Last year featured Paolo Fresu, Yaron Herman, Richard Galliano, Erik Truffaz, so expect similar quality this time round.
www.festivaljazzsaintgermainparis.com
NATTJAZZ, BERGEN, NORWAY: 26 MAY- 3 JUNE
2024’s Nattjazz features: Nils Petter Molvær, Bill Frisell, Atari, Next Planet, Dina Ögon, Jacob Young, Paal Nilsson-Love’s Circus plus many others in picturesque Bergen, West Norway.
Ystad
LICHFIELD JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL, LICHFIELD, STAFFS: 4-11 JUNE
Based at the Guildhall and the Cathedral Hotel, this festival features top acts from across the UK – Dennis Rollins plays with the Nick Dewhurst Band, Salsa from Del Camino, The Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys, Emma Johnson, Rosie Tee, Emily Alice and Amelia Harrison plus others.
AMSER JAZZ TIME FESTIVAL, RWCMD, CARDIFF: 6-8 JUNE
Lined up for 2024: Binker Golding, Claire Martin and Tomos Williams’ Cwmwl Tystion III/Empathy. Free concerts and student performances take place across the weekend at the brilliantly-designed Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff.
GLASGOW JAZZ FESTIVAL, GLASGOW: 14-18 JUNE
This festival features performances from musical talent across a spectrum of genres including jazz, blues, soul, funk, R&B, electro and world music in venues across the city.
UPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL, UPTON, WORCS: 24-25 JUNE
This jazz festival fills the town with music: the Memorial Hall, pubs and the Baptist Church all host concerts. Alan Barnes, John Hallam, Tom Kincaid, The Amy Roberts Quintet, Alex Clarke are lined up, plus there are free fringe events at the Swan Hotel.
ELBJAZZ, HAMBURG, GERMANY: 7-8 JUNE
An eclectic festival in the iconic city of Hamburg utilising the wonderful Elbphilharmonie venue among others – this year’s event features Shalosh, Alice Phoebe Lou, Martin Kohlstedt, Ida Sand, Nubian Twist, Belle & Sebastian, Ed Motta and more; a full weekend of music!
Jazz Ascona Festival, Ascona, Switzerland 20-29 June
This year the festival celebrates its 40th anniversary. Set on the shores of beautiful Lake Maggiore this is Europe’s leading trad jazz festival featuring artists from New Orleans and across Europe. To mark the 40th anniversary there will be a photo exhibition entitled “Jazz Off The Wall” it will involve the entire old town of Ascona during the festival and will include portraits taken by curator Yuri Catania and other photographers who have worked at the festival in the past.
JAZZ BALTICA, NIENDORF, SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN, GERMANY: 27-30 JUNE
Sun, sea, beach and jazz… what a great combination! All based at the Maritim hotel in Niendorf. Nils Landgren, Monty Alexander, Gwilym Simcock, Sarah Chaksad, Wolfgang Waffner, Emma Rawicz have already been confirmed.
North Sea Round Town Festival, Rotterdam, Netherlands 27 June-14 July
Offering hundreds of concerts on often unconventional locations across town, North Sea Round Town is Rotterdam’s most creative festival to explore new jazz in all its forms. As the official fringe festival to the world-famous North Sea Jazz Festival at Ahoy in mid-July, NSRT presents unique collaborations, new perspectives, undiscovered talents and commissioned compositions and much, much more.
JAZZ À VIENNE, VIENNE, FRANCE: 27 JUNE-12 JULY
This festival covers the town and runs from 12 noon till 3am every day and most of it is free – only the Antique Roman theatre shows are ticketed. Announced so far: Ibrahim Maalouf, Lizz Wright, Rhoda Scott, Jools Holland, Caravan Palace, Thomas de Pourquery and Mulatu Astatke.
43RD INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL, WAIDHOFEN, AUSTRIA: 28-30 JUNE
A very family-friendly outdoor festival not far from Vienna, featuring mostly European artists. With inexpensive tickets which include free camping and river swimming, why not make a holiday of it?
SUDTIROL JAZZFESTIVAL ALTOADIGE, BOLZANO, ITALY: 28 JUNE-7 JULY
A great festival in the classy city of Bolzano. The ancient Dolomites dominate the area and the festival focuses on the young European scene. Concerts are held across the area with a main ‘base camp’ venue in Bolzano itself. The early names booked include: Mette Rasmussen’s Ox, Maria Faust, Sofia Jernberg, Nancelot and Sigurdur Rägnavaldsson’s Lûna.
Manchester
BUXTON FESTIVAL JAZZ WEEKEND, BUXTON, DERBYSHIRE: 4-8 JULY
A very classy weekend of music in the Peak District. Between having your spa and cream tea, there is music from Ian Shaw, Deschanel Gordon, Zoe Rahman, Alan Barnes, Threeway with John Etheridge, Emily Brown and many others.
LOVE SUPREME JAZZ FESTIVAL, GLYNDE, EAST SUSSEX: 5-7 JULY
The UK’s biggest outdoor jazz, funk and soul festival. Billy Cobham, Hiromi, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Christian McBride, Sergio Mendez, Joss Stone, Chaka Khan, Fergus McCreadie, Kool & the Gang and many more have already been booked to appear at Glynde Place that’s set in the beautiful Sussex Downs.
CANARIAS JAZZ & MÁS, CANARY ISLANDS 5-27 JULY
60 concerts on the eight islands across Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro y La Graciosa. This year’s line up features Dave Douglas, Knower, Chucho Valdes, Theo Croker, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Roxana Ahmad, Veronica Swift, London Afrobeat Collective and many more.
WIGAN INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, WIGAN: 11-14 JULY
A great festival held at the Village on the Green in Aspull – groups booked so far include Ben Holder Quartet, Jeff Hooper Trio and as always, the excellent Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra.
BURTON AGNES JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL, BURTON AGNES, NR BRIDLINGTON: 12-14 JULY
The festival is uniquely set in one of England’s finest homes, Burton Agnes Hall. A superb line-up of bands provides a weekend of music from a main stage on a manicured lawn. On-site weekend camping is available – programme available April.
SWANAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL, SWANAGE, DORSET: 12-14 JULY
Concerts at Sandpit Field overlooking the sea and the Mowlem Theatre plus other venues around the town. Line-up so far announced includes Liane Carroll Trio (their first performance at Swanage for 10 years); the Emma Rawicz Jazz Orchestra, Ian Shaw and Tony Kofi performing a tribute to Billy Strayhorn; Zoe Rahman’s Colour of Sound Octet; Gary Crosby’s Mingus Moves Band; The Wonder of Stevie with Derek Nash and Noel McCalla and The Printmakers with Nikki Iles and Norma Winstone.
EDINBURGH JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL, EDINBURGH: 14-23 JULY
The festival features music and associated events across the city. The Jools Holland Jazz Orchestra are due on the opening night and the rest of the programme is announced soon.
BIRMINGHAM JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL, BIRMINGHAM: 19-28 JULY
For its 40th anniversary, BJF will feature over 200 performances of which 90 per cent are free entry. Already on the bill: Alan Barnes, Art Themen, Digby Fairweather, Simon Spillett, Gianni Tbay, Ben Toury, Dave Green and Florence Joelle, with many more to come. There will also be workshops for ukulele playing and jive dancing.
www.birminghamjazzfestival.com
KONGSBERG JAZZ FESTIVAL, NORWAY: 3-6 JULY
Celebrating 60 years in 2024, the festival has a great reputation and features a stellar line- up: Cécile McLorin Salvant, Joshua Redman, the Scofield/Holland duo, Knower, Elephant9, Gard Nilssen’s Acoustic Unity, Eberson, Horta, Per Zanussi and many more.
ISTANBUL JAZZ FESTIVAL, TURKEY: 3-18 JULY
The festival offers the opportunity to explore this historic city straddling Europe and Asia. Reaching beyond traditional concert halls, utilising Istanbul’s historical sites, streets, trams and ferries for the shows. So far announced are Gregory Porter and Chris Isaak, with more to come.
A TO JAZZ FESTIVAL, SOFIA, BULGARIA 4-7 JULY
Bulgaria’s largest jazz festival returns this summer with a line-up full of exciting introductions to the genre. Seeking to “make jazz accessible and fun for everyone,” this year’s program includes Antonio Farao Celebrating McCoy Tyner plus headlines Knower, among other (inter)national names. Previous headliners include Lakecia Benjamin, Snarky Puppy, and José James.
JAZZX, TIMIȘOARA, ROMANIA: 5-7 JULY
A beautiful city and a great vibe at this festival in a grand square. GoGo Penguin, Roberto Fonseca, Jordan Rakei, MonoNeon and Jazz Bois are the early names confirmed. It’s cheap to get to and cheap to stay, plus the concerts are free.
COPENHAGEN JAZZ FESTIVAL, DENMARK: 5-14 JULY
The festival takes over the city – parks, jazz clubs and temporary stages, theatres museums and of course in the city’s largest and most beautiful concert halls. There are 1,200 events linked to the festival – the full programme will be available early April.
MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL, MONTREUX, SWITZERLAND: 5-20 JULY
2024 brings a massive re-design for this iconic festival. A new evening stage built on Lake Geneva to allow glorious views and sunsets, a return to the famous Casino, and loads of new free stages across the town. Pool parties feature and nightly gigs in Funky Claud’s Bar plus a host of other new innovations. Let’s hope there is some jazz to enjoy too! Full programme soon.
JAZZ À JUAN, JUAN-LES-PINS, FRANCE: 8-18 JULY
Festival locations don’t come much better than this! With the stage just off the beach you bask in the setting sun as the biggest names in jazz play for you. So far announced are Marcus Miller, Joshua Redman, Youssou N’Dour and Kool & the Gang. The full programme is available in April.
GARANA JAZZ FESTIVAL, GARANA, ROMANIA 11-14 JULY
A great outdoor festival set in the natural hollow of a hillside called Wolf Meadow. Joe Lovano with Thomas Strønen, the Mats Eilertsen Trio, Airelle Besson Qt, Dixie Krauser Band and Jonathan Kreisberg are all confirmed, with more headliners to be announced. Book your accommodation early if you want to go!
NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL, ROTTERDAM, HOLLAND: 12-14 JULY
As insane as ever, the festival days are rammed from morning till night with the best musicians in the world. Highlights from a massive programme include: Sting, Jamie Cullum, Raye, Joshua Redman, Chucho Valdes, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Candy Dulfer, Dave Douglas, Lizz Wright, the Scofield/Holland duo, Potter/Mehldau/Patitucci/Blake, Ibrahim Maalouf, Fire! Orchestra, Blinker Golding and many more.
PORI JAZZ, PORI, FINLAND: 12-20 JULY
A massive outdoor festival with four stages and a beautiful scenic location. Top acts from across the world play here and it is very family-friendly. Programme available in April.
UMBRIA JAZZ, PERUGIA, ITALY: 12-21 JULY
A fantastic festival in an historic and picturesque city. Concerts go from midday to 2am at locations all over Perugia and many are free. The festival features a wide mix of music – Raye, Hiromi, Chucho Valdés, Charles Lloyd, Kenny Barron, Paolo Fresu, Enrico Rava and Veronica Swift are among the early names. The full programme is available in April.
AARHUS INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, AARHUS, DENMARK: 13-20 JULY
The Aarhus Jazz Orchestra launch this popular festival which pretty much takes over the entire Danish city of Aarhus while it’s on – expect national and international stars in the programme, which will be published shortly.
NICE JAZZ FESTIVAL, NICE, FRANCE: 15-19 JULY
Place Massena just off the seafront gives the festival a super location with two stages and six concerts per evening. National & international stars feature. Programme due in April.
MOLDE JAZZ FESTIVAL, MOLDE, NORWAY: 15-20 JULY
This festival on Norway’s coast attracts national and international stars – Bill Frisell is artist in residence this year; plus, Daniel Herskedal & Marius Neset Duo, The Trondheim Voices, Bobo Stenson Trio, Anthony Braxton & Julie Bergan are booked so far.
MARCIAC JAZZ FESTIVAL, MARCIAC, FRANCE: 18 JULY-4 AUGUST
Marciac in South-western France is a small village with a massive festival. Concerts are held in a big top and this year early names include New’Garo, Pink Martini and Vulfpeck with others to come – book accommodation ASAP!
INNTÖNE JAZZ FESTIVAL, DIERSBACH, AUSTRIA: 19-21 JULY
A wonderful and quirky event run by trombonist Paul Zauner and his family, set on his farm deep in the Austrian countryside. Most people camp but there are many places to stay around the area. There are several stages and music runs from midday to the early hours, with food and drink available on site. It’s a unique experience and families are welcome.
DONOSTIA/SAN SEBASTIAN HEINEKEN JAZZALDIA, SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: 23-28 JULY
One of the most expansive jazz festivals in Europe, set in a stunning seaside location on the Basque coast. Diana Krall, John Zorn, Gregory Porter, Potter/Mehldau/Patitucci/Blake, the Scofield/Holland duo and Youn Sun Nah are just the first names announced!
SLIGO JAZZ PROJECT, SLIGO, IRELAND: 23-28 JULY
The premier jazz education event in Europe. Elio Villafranca is senior artist in residence and Fergus McCreadie is young artist in residence. Among the other tutors/performers are: Sun-Mi Hong, Tom Ollendorff, Anita Wardel, Christine Tobin, Julian Siegel, Paul Clarvis and Gareth Lockrane.
YSTAD JAZZ FESTIVAL, YSTAD, SWEDEN: 31 JULY-4 AUGUST
A family friendly festival in the Swedish seaside town of Ystad. With a cosy theatre, church, hotel and squares the festival utilises all that is good about the town. Billy Cobham, Ballake Sissoko, Sarah McKenzie, Alba Armengou and Mezzoforte are already announced. This year, the last day of the festival is held at the magnificent Charlottenlund Manor and grounds which overlooks the Baltic Sea.
Tallinn Jazzkaar
BRECON JAZZ FESTIVAL, BRECON: 4-18 AUGUST
The classic Brecon weekend is 9-12 August but there are several other excellent events around the festival this year including family jazz and dance on the first weekend and a film and jazz focus on the last.
WE OUT HERE FESTIVAL, WIMBORNE ST GILES, DORSET: 15-18 AUGUST
Gilles Peterson’s four-day outdoor festival features established and emerging artists, plus top class DJ Sets – the full programme is online and includes Dee Dee Bridgewater, Matthew Halsall, Rosie Turton, Floating Points, Ebo Taylor and many more.
NEWCASTLE JAZZ FESTIVAL: 17-20 AUGUST
Based at the Tyne Bank Brewery and other venues across the city centre – programme details available soon.
www.newcastlejazzfestival.co.uk
RYE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL, RYE, EAST SUSSEX: 22-26 AUGUST
A celebration of a wide range of musical genres including international jazz stars, blues, R&B, soul, funk, Latin, Cuban and gospel music – programme details are available soon.
BUDE JAZZ FESTIVAL, BUDE, CORNWALL: 27-30 AUGUST
The 35th edition of this Cornish classic – Alan Barnes, John Shillito, Craig Milverton, John Hallam & Amy Roberts are among the artists playing this year. The four-day ‘stroller’ ticket is a bargain £140.
EALING JAZZ FESTIVAL, LONDON 3-4 AUGUST
The Ealing Jazz Festival takes over London’s Walpole Park as it marks its 30th anniversary on 3-4 August with an eclectic bill of jazz, neo-soul and global grooves. Held annually in the vibrant London borough of Ealing, the line-up features headline shows from powerful nine-piece jazz soul collective Nubiyan Twist – who recently released their acclaimed new album Find Your Flame – and also a show from award-winning saxophonist YolanDa Brown – read more here.
ealingsummerfestivals.com/jazz
TIME IN JAZZ FESTIVAL, BERCHIDDA, SARDINIA: 8-16 AUGUST
A fantastic festival with more than just music, run by the trumpeter Paolo Fresu. There are events for all the family during the festival. Naturally the festival features Fresu and other top Italian artists alongside big European names. The full programme is available May but you can buy a ‘blind ticket’ now for just £100 – a bargain!
AU GRÈS DU JAZZ, LA PETITE-PIERRE, FRANCE: 10-18 AUGUST
A very friendly, compact festival in this picturesque village in the Vosges du Nord Regional Park. It features national and international artists on the open-air stage in the heart of the old town, plus other venues around the area. Programme will be unveiled in May.
OSLO JAZZ FESTIVAL, OSLO, NORWAY: 11-17 AUGUST
The Oslo festival programme offers a varied mix of Scandinavian and international artists from all genres of jazz. Ola Kvernberg & the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, Irreversible Entanglements, Cyrille Aimée, Maria Kannegaard Trio, Hanna Paulsberg, Vigleik Storaas, feature. And Trygve Waldemar Fiske & Hans Hulbækmo will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic ECM album Belonging.
AMERSFOORT WORLD JAZZ FESTIVAL, AMERSFOORT, NETHERLANDS, 14-18 AUGUST
Steadily providing Dutch audiences with top-notch international lineups since 1979, Amersfoort World Jazz Festival has previously welcomed legends such as John and Gerald Clayton, Houston Person, Madeline Bell, Shakatak, and Georgie Fame. This year, the festival kicks off with a night full of Dutch legends such as Edwin Rutten and Hans Dulfer.
SAALFELDEN JAZZ FESTIVAL, SAALFELDEN, AUSTRIA: 22-25 AUGUST
This is an excellent event for jazz and improv – you can expect a festival with more than 60 concerts in the town, and on musical hikes all in sight of beautiful mountains. Mona Matbou Riahi opens the festival and Daniel Erdmann, Kris Davis and Other Mother featuring Judith Schwarz have also been announced.
FESTIVAL LES RENDEZVOUS DE L’ERDRE, NANTES, FRANCE: 26 AUGUST-1 SEPTEMBER
A festival designed to show off the magnificent waterways of this area. The event takes place outdoors, in public spaces, in Nantes and in 13 other towns in the region on 86 km of the river Erdre and the Nantes Canal. A brilliant way to enjoy great jazz, fantastic wine and beautiful scenery. Programme published April.
JAZZ IN THE PARK, CLUJ-NAPOCA, ROMANIA: 30 AUGUST-1 SEPTEMBER
Come to Transylvania and check out one of the most intimate and emotional music festivals you will ever see! 4 stages carefully curated give life to the 100-old village museum in Cluj-Napoca. Shortlisted as Best Small Festival in Europe in 2023 this year it features; Cymande, Avishai Cohen, Tigran Hamasyan, Manu Katche, Postmodern Jukebox, Jazzanova, Kinga Glyk, Oreglo, KRiSPER, Amphitrio, Wasted Generation and many more!
Au Gres Du Jazz
ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL, ISLAY, SCOTLAND : 15-17 SEPTEMBER
Islay is famous for its peaty whisky and over this weekend, jazz too – many concerts are themed around the infrastructure of the golden nectar made here. Programme to be announced soon.
ISLE OF WIGHT JAZZ WEEKEND, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT: 19 -22 SEPTEMBER
A great weekend of music at Newport on the beautiful Isle of Wight. The festival features the best of UK jazz – programme details will be unveiled in May.
BRIGHTON JAZZ FESTIVAL, BRIGHTON: 26 -29 SEPTEMBER
Four days of world-class jazz from the best UK and international artists on Brighton’s iconic Palace Pier, linking the jazz generations with the vibrant local scene. Programme from summer onwards.
www.brightonjazzfestival.co.uk
SCARBOROUGH JAZZ FESTIVAL, SCARBOROUGH, NORTH YORKSHIRE: 27-29 SEPTEMBER
Hosted at the Scarborough Spa, you can expect three days of top-class jazz – so far announced are Toni Kofi & Alex Webb, Elaine Delmar & the Tom Smith Big Band, with many more to be added.
POOLE JAZZ WEEKEND, POOLE, DORSET: 27-30 SEPTEMBER
For lovers of Trad Jazz, here’s a weekend festival at Sandford Holiday Park. Featuring the Jive Aces, Baby Jools, the Golden Eagle Jazz Band, John Maddocks Jazzmen plus Jeremy Huggetts Jazz & Boogie Band.
www.ventureawaymusicweekends.co.uk
NEWCASTLE FESTIVAL OF JAZZ AND IMPROVISED MUSIC: 3 – 6 OCTOBER
Focussing on free and experimental music, with screenings and workshop discussions. The Literary & Philosophical Library is the central festival hub along with the Globe and Gosforth Civic Theatre where among others you will see: Juliana Day, Alcyona Mick, Olie Brice, The Flame, Tara Cunningham and Emma Johnson.
www.newcastlefestivalofjazzandimprovisedmusic.co.uk
TAKE THE A TRAIN JAZZ FESTIVAL, SALZBURG, AUSTRIA: 5-15 SEPTEMBER
Centred around the main railway station, an eclectic mix of music is planned for this, the 10th edition.
THE NEW COLOURS JAZZ FESTIVAL, GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY: 12-15 SEPTEMBER
An excellent festival in the heart of the Rhur area of Germany, using iconic venues from its industrial past as well as a grand castle in the centre of the city.
UMBRIA JAZZ WEEKEND, TERNI, ITALY: 12-15 SEPTEMBER
A shorter and less frenetic version of the summer festival – held in the picturesque town of Terni. From clubs to the Roman Amphitheatre, from the streets of the historic centre, a four-day event full of unmissable music in a beautiful location.
LEIBNITZ JAZZ FESTIVAL JAZZ & WINE, LEIBNITZ, AUSTRIA: 26-29 SEPTEMBER
Mixing jazz and wine is not new, but at Leibnitz they take it to a new level. Vineyards, concert halls and a Castle’s wine cellar all feature as venues and it has top quality music too. A four-day pass is around £90, wine is extra!
KRAKOW JAZZ WEEK, KRAKOW, POLAND: 26-SEPTEMBER – 3 OCTOBER
Two jazz competitions and concerts make up Krakow Jazz Week. The Siefert Violin, Viola & Cello competition for professional musicians is first followed by the Jazz Juniors Competition – a chance to see the next generation of artists before anyone else! There are evening concerts and much to explore in this beatiful city.
Burton Agnes
SHREWSBURY DJANGO FESTIVAL, SHREWSBURY: 18-20 OCTOBER
The finest Gypsy Jazz event of the year in the UK – already booked are Fapy Lafertin, Paulus Schäfer, Chris Quinn, Robin Nolan and Tcha Limberger – an early bird weekend ticket costs just £74.
www.shrewsburydjangofest.co.uk
NANCY JAZZ PULSATIONS, NANCY, FRANCE: 11-19 OCTOBER
Nancy is a city that embraces jazz, with more than 80 top class concerts and events in the main venues plus more in bars and clubs in the city during the festival. Programme due in June.
JAZZ IN THE CITY, SALZBURG, AUSTRIA: 17-20 OCTOBER
The festival gives the opportunity to explore the magnificent city of Salzburg as the festival is spread over many venues. Everything is walkable and the best thing is that everything is free.
STOCKHOLM JAZZ FESTIVAL, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN: 11-20 OCTOBER
Using 60-plus venues throughout the city, this event features national and international artists. The Avishai Cohen Trio are already booked and the full programme is available in June.
SKOPJE JAZZ FESTIVAL, MACEDONIA: 17-20 OCTOBER
Skopje features mostly improvised and free jazz in this iconic city. It is a great place for a weekend break and is relatively cheap for accommodation and concert tickets. If you do want to go, book early as most concerts sell out. The programme is online in May.
BELGRADE JAZZ FESTIVAL, BELGRADE, SERBIA: 23-28 OCTOBER
The 40th anniversary of this festival should bring bold programming and intense creative energy. The festival presents musicians on the leading edge of jazz from the US and Europe. Belgrade is a buzzing place and the festival vibe is brilliant. The festival ticket for all shows is under £100.
GUINNESS JAZZ FESTIVAL, CORK, IRELAND: 26-30 OCTOBER
A lively and full-on festival in the brilliant city of Cork. Gregory Porter is playing two dates (one already sold out) at Cork Opera House – full programme soon.
TAMPERE JAZZ HAPPENING, FINLAND: 31 OCTOBER-3 NOVEMBER
A long-established festival held in Tampere, South West Finland. The main concerts are based at the Pakkahuone concert hall. Telakka restaurant is mostly dedicated to Finnish jazz, and the night concerts are at Klubi. The full programme will be published in September.
EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL: 15-24 NOVEMBER
The UK’s biggest jazz festival, attracting top international and home-grown acts, and held at a variety of venues across the capital. The programme will be announced from late Spring onwards.
www.efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk
PANCEVO JAZZ FESTIVAL, PANCEVO, SERBIA: 1-3 NOVEMBER
Although smaller in size than the Belgrade festival the week before, Pancevo presents high quality modern jazz from the US and Europe. The audience is young and enthusiastic and the warm and friendly atmosphere of the Cultural Centre makes it a great event. The tickets here are very inexpensive and the fish restaurants are amazing!
UMBRIA JAZZ WINTER JAZZ, ORVIETO, ITALY: 28 DECEMBER – 1 JANUARY
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style in fabulous Orvieto. Five days of wonderful music in this picturesque old town. Programme in September.
MÜNSTER JAZZ FESTIVAL, MÜNSTER, GERMANY: 3-5 JANUARY
A weekend festival based at the Münster Theatre with its two stages; and although you can eat, drink and listen to cutting-edge jazz without venturing outside, the city has many interesting sights and is well worth exploring.
SPARKS & VISIONS FESTIVAL, REGENSBURG, GERMANY: LAST WEEKEND OF JANUARY
A great new festival held in the Regensburg Theatre. The concerts feature national and international musicians – the festival has been a huge success so get in early for this year’s edition!
SAALFELDEN WINTER JAZZ, SAALFELDEN, AUSTRIA: 24-26 JANUARY
Enjoy a long weekend festival in the snow and mountains in Saalfelden. Last year featured nine shows at four locations with artists including Maria Faust, Mary Halvorson and Vincent Peirani. Bring your skis!
MONTREUX JAZZ WINTER RESIDENCY, VILLAR-SUR-OLLON, SWITZERLAND: WEEKENDS IN FEBRUARY
A series of concerts in the ski season showcasing emerging talent as spotted by the Montreux Jazz Festival. There are six shows over the period all held at the Théâtre du Villars Palace – featuring Apres Ski, the showcase and to end, a DJ Set.
