UK & European Jazz Festival Guide 2025
Tim Dickerson
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Our guide to the best music festivals in the UK and across Europe
This year sees an explosion of big names both European and American touring throughout the year. As will be evident from Tim Dickerson’s guide the UK festival scene is offering some amazing programmes with festivals such as Love Supreme (July), Cheltenham (May) and London (November) full of top names; meanwhile in Europe the San Sebastian festival in northern Spain and Marciac in south west France both have the very the top echelon of world jazz playing and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam has a similarly mouth-watering programme of music. Wherever you decide on a big festival or one of the more intimate ones; one in your town or in an exotic locale such as the Faroe Islands, always check the dates and details listed carefully before booking and have a great festival year!
March
UK:
Aberdeen Jazz Festival, Aberdeen 13-23 March
Promising a celebration of innovation, talent and community the festival offers 30 events over 9 venues including Georgia Cécile, The Neil Cowley Trio, The Aberdeen Jazz Orchestra, Portable Infinity, Niki King and many more.
Steinway 2-Piano Festival, Pizza Express Soho, London 20-23 March
This brilliant two piano festival features this year; Nikki Illes/Kate Williams, Robert Mitchell/Richard Fairhurst, Mo Pleasure/Vana Giering, Dom Pipkin/Greg Coulson, Alex Wilson with Level 42’s Mike Lindup and Shaw with Liane Carroll and also James Pearson.
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival ‘Novus’, Edinburgh 22-23 March
A series of concerts celebrating new music and showcasing some of the most inventive artists on the Scottish scene at the St Bride’s Centre and the Jazz Bar. Phil Bancroft, Dijeet Kaur Bhachu, Chris Lyons, Kai Reesu, The Comaro Trio and more.
Bristol Jazz Festival, Bristol 22-24 March
This year the festival is being held at the Tobacco Factory with its two venues featuring 15 shows. Joghn Etheridge, Andy Sheppard, Dennis Rollins, Elecrtic Lady Big Band, the Calre Teal Quartet, Elles Bailey and more.
Europe:
JazzFestBrno, Brno, Czech Republic 6 Mar-21 May
The Brno festival offers concerts spread out over a three-month period and this year feature; Dianne Reeves, Kamasi Washington, Joe Sanders, James Brando Lewis, Kris Davis, Maria Schneider, Adam Ben Ezra and more.
Banlieues Bleues, Paris 14 March-11 April
In Pantin at the gates of Paris the Dynamo venue will welcome Fred Frith/Susana Santos Silva, Lia Kohl, Bill Orcutt Guitar Trio, Lex Amour, The Archetypal Syndicate, The Bridge and more.
Burghausen International Jazz Week, Burghausen, Germany 25-30 March
Berghausen on the river Salzach near the Austrian border features this year; Gregory Porter, Louise Jallu, Kenny Garrett, Billy Cobham, Vanessa Collier, Afra Kane and many more. There is a festival pass and hotel package available.
April
UK:
Brecon Jazz Festival Springboard for Jazz Event 12 April
With a fresh new team of local volunteers taking over this year, this event is to launch the new look festival which takes place in August. Exciting welsh harpist Ben Creighton Griffiths, Glen Manby, Jac Mac, Jane Williams, Saskia Laroo and more play across venues in the town on the day.
www.breconjazzfestival2025.co.uk
Nantwich Jazz & Blues Festival 17-21 April
A great festival of music in Nantwich. With concerts at the Civic Hall, Crown Hotel & St Marys Church plus a huge off programme (£12 buys a wristband for all of these gigs) there is a wide choice of music featuring among others Gino Washington, Lucy Spraggan, Nearly Dan, Thea Gilmore, Nigel Stonier and the Bluetones.
Brick Lane Jazz Festival, Brick Lane, London 25-27 April
With a huge number of artists highlights include; Tony Kofi & Alina Bzhezhinska, Allysha Joy, Jay Phelps, Gary Crosby, Adi Oasis and more playing at 12 venues over the festival period. Brick Lane is a great place for shopping and eating too.
Cheltenham International Jazz Festival, Cheltenham April 30-5 May
With various venues across the town including the Parabola Arts Centre for hard core jazz fans. The tented village with its Big Top, Jazz Tent and foods stalls makes Cheltenham a great place to enjoy live music in a buzzing atmosphere. Artists this year include Macy Grey, James Brandon Lewis, Nubya Garcia, Billy Cobham, Curtis Stigers, Neil Cowley Trio, Claire Martin and Marco Mezquida.
Europe:
Cully Jazz, Switzerland 4-12 April
On the shores of Lake Geneva, Cully Jazz offers a vast programme of paid for events plus an impressive off-fest too. Chris Potter, Chucho Valdés, Youssou N’Dour, Tigran, John Scofield, Stacey Kent, Eric Bibb, Ibrahim Maalouf, Sylvie Courvoisier and many more.
Jazzahead!, Bremen, Germany 11-13 April
With loads of jazz showcases and an exhibition hall teeming with record labels and promoters it is a great place to immerse yourself in jazz even if you are not an industry person. Representing the UK this year are Henry Spencer and Norman & Corrie. The featured countries are Spain, France and Switzerland.
Vossa Jazz, Voss, Norway 11-13 April
Held in Voss in the western part of Fjord Norway the festival offers 34 concerts over a weekend. Norma Winstone, Bugge Wesseltoft, Camila Nebbia & Kit Downes, Jacob Young, Amanda Bergman, Alo Vera,The Maria Kamegaard Trio plus many more.
Jazzkaar, Tallinn, Estonia 20 April – 1 May
With 30 concerts from artists as far afield as India and the US this year’s festival includes; Bill Laurence & Michael League, Jazzmeia Horn, Giridhar Udupa, Lakecia Benjamin, Kristian Randalu, Maria Faust, James Carter and Michael Mayo. Tallinn is historic city which is well worth a visit any time.
April Jazz, Tapiola Espoo, Helsinki, Finland 22-26 April
A great festival just outside Helsinki. The programme includes; Michael Dease with the Espoo Big Band, Lakecia Benjamin, Florian Arbenz, Dominic Miller, Bill Laurence and Michael League, Miguel Poveda and many more.
Jazzfest Gronau, Germany 29 April-4 May
Featured artists include David Helbock, Dirty Loops, Torsten Goods with Victoria Tolstoy, Dominic Miller and more. There are concerts and jazz themed events including Jazz & Dine, an outdoor swimming pool concert, the K&K Music night with various stages plus the massive Jazz in the City Centre event.
May
UK:
The Ribble Valley Jazz & Blues Festival, Citheroe 2-5 May
A great weekend of music here over the bank holiday weekend - over 50 concerts in 25 venues around the town. Lighthouse Trio, Kyla Brox Blues Train, Orchard, the Haggis Horns and The Ribble Valley Jazz Big Band announced so far. The Freedom pass is £115 to see everything!
Birmingham Jazz Festival, Birmingham 9-11 May
A celebration of Jazz Women of the World. Featuring 8 concerts over the three day festival - Juliet Kelly, Nikki Illes, Becca Wilkins, Christine Tobin, Kate Williams, The J.A.M. String Collective & Choro Choro Choro.
Norwich Jazz Festival, Norwich 15-24 May
The Norwich Jazz Festival is back! After a 20 year break Norwich Arts Centre will be presenting Mammal Hands, Azymuth, The NYJO, Ebis Soda, Jasmine Myra & Caoilfhionn Rose at various venues across the city.
Manchester Jazz Festival, Manchester 16-25 May
A packed programme of top names for the 30th edition of this great festival. John Helliwell’s Super Big Tramp Band, Small Print, Yazz Ahmed, Alice Zawadzki, Emma Rawicz & Gwilym Simcock, James Pearson, Mammal Hands, Camilla George, Elliot Galvin and many more.
Leeds Jazz Festival, 22-27 May
The 4th edition of the Leeds Jazz Festival brings together a diverse line-up of talented artists, showcasing everything from contemporary to traditional jazz across multiple venues throughout the city. Programme available on line now.
Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival, Sidmouth 23-26 May
The Blackmore Gardens again hosts this year’s 4 day festival which will feature; Soul II Soul, Curtis Stigers, Gabrielle, Eric Bibb, Nubian Twist, James Taylor and many more . There are also masterclasses and free live music events at many local venues. A one ticket deal for all shows is £215.
Cross the Tracks Jazz, Funk & Blues Festival, Brockwell Park, London Sunday 25 May
A vibrant one-day festival with loads of music of all styles in South London’s Brockwell Park. Ezra Collective, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Gilles Peterson, Jordan Rakei and many more shows, DJ Sets and performances.
Europe:
Jazzfest Bonn, Germany 1-24 May
Easy to reach via low cost airlines the festival which started in 2009 offers 35 concerts across Bonn from the Opera House and the Minster to the Loungey Post Tower. A varied bill offers Richard Galliano & Paolo Fresu, Louis Sclavis, James Carter, China Moses, The Yellowjackets, Eva Klesse, Sarah Chaksad, Hiromi, Norma Winstone & Kit Downes plus many more.
Bray Jazz Festival, Bray, Eire 2-4 May
A fantastic festival set by the sea in County Wicklow 16 miles south of Dublin. With concerts at the Mermaid Arts centre and the Whale theatre as well as across the town. Highlight’s include Nubya Garcia, Vijay Iyer, Vernari Pojhola, Francesco Turrisi, Christine Tobin, Nabou Claerhout and Nduduzo Makhathini.
Trondheim Jazz Festival, Trondheim, Norway 6-10 May
A really friendly festival set around the waterfront of Trondheim. Playing this year are; Tora Dahl Aagård, Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter, Aileron, Antonio Lizana, Ahake Stew, Hedvig Mollestad and more. Daniel Herskedal plays a solo set in the lovely Var Frue church on the 5th May as a precursor to the festival.
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
Like A Jazz Machine Festival, Dudelange, Luxembourg 7-11 May
A very easy and friendly festival to get to from the UK by car. This year Meteq, Jens Düppe, Japanic, Exotica, The Jazz Ghosts, Noah Preminger and Veda & The String Machine plus many more.
Jazz à Saint Germain-Des-Prés, Paris, France 12-19 May
The festival brings Paris’ most iconic venues to life, transforming the neighbourhood into an explosion of music and life. Youn Sun Nah & Bojan Z, The Poetic Ways Quintet, Charlotte Reindhardt, Etibar Asadli Trio and many more.
www.festivaljazzsaintgermainparis.com
Kardamili International Jazz Festival, Kardamili, Greece 16-25 May
A festival in Greece run by Norwegians! Kardamili has many attractions; beaches, gorges and plenty of restaurants and tavernas with wonderful food. The surrounding area is perfect or hiking and outdoor activities. With over 40 mainly free entry concerts at the festival, it’s going to be a busy time here!
Nattjazz, Bergen, Norway 21-31 May
Based at the USF Shipyard in Bergen, Night Jazz features Anthony Joseph, Daniel Herskedal, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Sondr Lerche, Immanuel Wilkins, Marc Ribot, Gard Nilssen and many more.
Jazz sous les Pommiers, Coutances, France 24 - 31 May
Jazz under the Apple Trees is a wonderful relaxing festival in rural France. This time The Bad Plus, Luis Sclavis, Hiromi, Pink Martini, Yarin Herman, Looking for Mingus- all and many more. The two artists in residence are Robinson Khoury and Marion Rampal.
June
UK:
Amser Jazz Time Festival, RWCMD, Cardiff 12-15 June
The wonderful Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff host the Jazz Time Festival this year featuring Norma Winstone & Kit Downes, The Neil Cowley Trio, Josephine Davies and Satori plus loads of music provided by the students of the college.
Petersfield Jazz & Blues Festival, Petersfield 14 June
A great one-day Jazz and Blues festival held in the grounds of Churcher’s College in Petersfield. Playing this year are Nigel Price, Mark Crooks, Marianne Windham, Betty Accorsi, Nicolas Meier, Pete Roth, Stefan Redtenbacher, Jana Varga and Terry Pack with the Full Circle Quartet, plus many others.
Glasgow Jazz Festival, Glasgow 18-22 June
The festival features concerts from musical talent across a spectrum of genres. This will be the 39th edition with dozens of events in venues across the city over the 5 days of the festival. Full Programme available April.
Upton Jazz Festival, Upton 24-26 June
The Memorial Hall and the Baptist Church host a wide choice of music throughout the festival. Enrico Tomasso, Alan Barnes, Ben Holder, Amy Roberts, Dave Newton & Alex Clarke and The Louis Armstrong All-Stars among many others plus a host of free events around the town too.
Europe:
54th Moers Jazz Festival, Moers, Germany 6-9 June
Moers is well established festival that features a wide spectrum of improvised music. So far announced are Hayden Chisholm, Casper Brötzmann, Ellen Arkbro, Koshiro Hino and Multiple Voices. The improviser in residence is the Belgium trumpet player Bart Maris.
Jazz Baltica, Maritime Seehotel, Timmendorfer Strand, Nr Travemunde Germany 26-29 June
All based at the Maritim Seehotel and on the beach right outside so sit in your deck chair and take it all in! First names include Jonas Wall, Segal/Pierani/Parisien & Sissoko, Peter Somuah and Michael Schroeder with the full programme available 20 March.
JazzAscona, Ascona, Switzeerland 26 June - 5 July
JazzAscona is the only big European Festival offering a full immersion into New Orleans music, culture and cuisine. During the festival there are around 200 concerts, non-stop from midday to late at night. There are four stages along the lakefront as well as concerts in bars, restaurants, and piazzas across the city.
Jazz a Vienne, Vienne, France 26 June-11 July
With the magnificent Roman antique theatre as its showcase venue, the festival offers music all around this pretty town on the Rhone. Avisahi Cohen (bass), Anne Paceo, Dianne Reeves, Madeleine Peyroux, Jamie Cullum, Seun Kuti and Lagrène/Taylor/Wakenius have been announced so far.
Sudtirol Jazzfestival Altoadige, Bolzano Italy 27 June-6 July
The ancient Dolomites dominate the area and the festival focuses on the young European scene. Concerts are held across the area with evening concerts in Bolzano itself. The rugged terrain of this spectacular area makes wonderful natural stages for the daytime concerts. The Dutch Brain Teaser Orchestra will open the festival. Programme available in April.
International Music Festival, Waidhofen, Austria 27-29 June
Very family friendly outdoor festival not far from Vienna - featuring 23 events on two stages - Highlights include Yumi Ito, Eric Bibb, Baba Yaga, Carmen Souza, Staefanie Boltz and Saxofour. A family friendly outdoor festival on the banks of the river, with inexpensive tickets, good food, free camping and river swimming!
July
UK:
Love Supreme Jazz Festival, Glynde, East Sussex 4-6 July
The UK’s biggest and brightest outdoor festival held at Glynde Place, East Sussex. Set in the beautiful Sussex Downs you can relax and enjoy Jacob Collier, Smokey Robinson, Branford Marsalis, Stanley Clarke, Chucho Valdés, Avisahi Cohen, Neil Cowley and many more.
Buxton Festival Jazz Weekend, Buxton 10-13 July
Enjoy a spectacular weekend of live music, with 12 gigs varying from funk, jazz, blues and Latin, plus an Oscar Peterson extravaganza. Events are taking place in the jazz club at The Palace Hotel as well as at the Pavilion Arts Centre, both in the heart of town. Ivo Neame, Emma Rawicz, Xhosa Cole, Ineza, Baiana, Alan Barnes and more.
Burton Agnes Jazz & Blues Festival, Burton Agnes, Nr Bridlington 11-13 July
A superb line up of bands provide a weekend of music from the main stage on a manicured lawn. The festival is uniquely set in one of England’s finest country homes, Burton Agnes Hall. On-site weekend camping is available and an early bird ticket costs £105. The full programme is available in April.
Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival, Moseley Park, Birmingham 11-13 July
Featuring the Ezra Collective, Maribou State, War, Jalen Ngonda, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Tom McGuire and the Brassholes. The festival is set in Moseley Park, a stunning 11-acre woodland glade in the heart of Moseley Village a mere 2 miles from the centre of Birmingham.
Swanage Jazz Festival, Swanage 11-13 July
Concerts at the Mowlem Theatre and Sandpit Field overlooking the sea and plus other venues around the town. So far announced Andy Sheppard, Soothsayers, Hejira, Sultan Stevenson, Pete Long, Elaine Delmar, Ian Bateman and Adrian Cox
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Edinburgh 11-20 July
The festival features music and associated events across the city. The Jools Holland Jazz Orchestra, Curtis Stigers, Colin Steele, Stramash, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush. The full programme is on the website now.
Europe:
Istanbul Jazz Festival ‘Beyond Borders’, Turkey 1-18 July
The festival reaches beyond traditional concert halls utilising Istanbul’s historical sites, streets and avenues, trams and ferries for the 25 concerts. A great Sight & Sound experience here where West meets East. First names announced are Chucho Valdés, Hermanos Gutiérrez and Max Richter with more to come.
Kongsberg Jazz Festival, Norway 2-5 July
The festival is really friendly and has a great vibe. They feature a good mix of National and International artists across the musical spectrum. This time; Grace Jones, Gard Nilssen’s Supersonic, Karin Krog, Knower, Dirty Loops, Ellen Andrea Wang, Dave Douglas, John Scofield, In The Country and many more.
JazzX, Timișoara, Romania 4-6 July
Timisoara has a lot going for it - it’s attractive, it’s easy to get to, accommodation and food are very reasonable and the festival is free entry! Pat Metheny, Jacob Banks, New Fosills, The Philharmonik & Zaharenco are the first names.
Gent Jazz, Gent, Belgium 4-19 July
A great outdoor festival at the Bijloke site in Gent. Easy to get to from the UK and the festival boasts a great programme including; Kamasi Washington, Melody Gardot, Anoushka Shankar, Max Richter, The Roots, Bonnie Raitt and many more.
Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Denmark 4-13 July
A fully immersive event where you will find music and events in every part of the city. There are over a thousand events linked to the festival! Samara Joy is the first name announced and the full programme is available early April.
Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux, Switzerland, 4-19 July
Looking more like the jazz festival of old Montreux is once again at the forefront of showcasing the latest in new European jazz whilst still headlining the biggest names in rock and pop. The full programme is available in April.
Canerias Jazz & MÁS International Festival, Canaries, 4-26 July
A great festival in the sun! This will be the 34º edition with 59 concerts in 29 stages of the main theatres, auditoriums and squares of Canary Islands. Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gozalo Rubalcaba, Vijay Iyer, Melissa Aldana, Lakecia Benjamin, The Kennedy Administration and many more.
Garana Jazz Festival, Garana, Romania 10-13 July
A great outdoor festival set in the countryside. Arild Andersen, Nils Petter-Molvaer, Håkon Kornsted Trio, Robben Ford, Bugge Wesseltoft with Gard Nilssen and The Cári Tibor Project so far announced with more headliners to come. Book your accommodation early if you want to go!
Jazz à Juan, Juan-les-Pins, France 10-20 July
With the stage just off the beach you relax with a view of the Esterels as the biggest names in jazz play. Last year Toto, Marcus Miller, Manu Katche, Chris Potter. The 2025 program is available 26th March.
North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam, Holland 11-13 July
At North Sea the festival days are rammed from morning till night with the best musicians in the world. Highlights from a massive programme are; Artist in Residence Jacob Collier, Tigran, samara Joy, Diana Ross, Joe Bonamassa, Avishai Cohen (Trumpet), Kamasi Washington, Ezra Collective and many more.
Pori Jazz, Pori, Finland 11-19 July
A massive outdoor festival with four stages and set in a beautiful scenic area. Sting and Roxette are the early names announced and the festival is specifically very family friendly. Full programme available in April.
Umbria Jazz, Perugia, Italy 11-20 July
The festival set in the historic city of Perugia features a wide range of music - Jacob Collier, Marcus Miller, Lee Ritenour, Lionel Richie, Mika and Joe Satriani with Steve Vai are the early stadium names. The full programme including the Morlacchi Theatre and the National Gallery jazz events is published in April.
Aarhus International Jazz Festival, Aarhus, Denmark 11-20 July
Marcus Miller and the Aarhus Jazz Orchestra launch the festival and Madeleine Peyroux also headlines – expect more international stars in the programme which will be published shortly.
Molde Jazz Festival, Molde, Norway 14-19 July
Located on Norway’s western coast this grand festival offers Dianne Reeves, Julian Lage, Jason Moran, Knower, Karin Krog, Amalie Dahl, The Trondheim Jazz Orchestra and many more.
INNtöne Jazz Festival, Diersbach, Austria 18-20 July
The Jazz Festival on the farm. Three days in harmony with nature - concerts outside on a meadow and inside in a barn and the former pigsty. Food and drink are available on site as is camping. The owner Paul Zauner programmes the best in European music with a few American acts as well. Very family friendly and a lot of fun. Programme soon.
Marciac Jazz Festival, Marciac, France 21 July-7 Aug
With what is probably the most impressive programme on the festival circuit this year Marciac in south western France is a tiny village with a massive festival. Robert Plant, Santana, Madeleine Peyroux, Melody Gardot, Ben Harper, Gregory Porter, Wynton Marsallis, Herbie Hancock, Joshua Redman, Hermeteo Pascoal, Veronica Swift, Roberto Fonseca and more- book accommodation asap and anywhere close you can find!
Sligo Jazz Project, Sligo, Eire 22-27 July
Sligo Jazz Project this year celebrates 20 years growing Europe’s biggest and most inclusive jazz education event with guest of honour Rufus Reid, Artist in Residence Melissa Aldana and a 33 strong faculty including; Sun-Mi Hong, Tom Ollendorf, Paul Clarvis, Pablo Held, Ant Law and Oli Hayhurst among many others.
Donostia/San Sebastian Heineken Jazzaldia, San Sebastian, Spain 23-28 July
One of the largest jazz festivals in Europe set in a stunning seaside location. Jamie Cullum, The Beach Boys, Kurt Elling, Hermeteo Pascoal, Brad Mehldau, Chris Potter/Dave Holland, Melody Gardot, Marc Ribot, Steve Coleman and many more.
Nice Jazz Festival, Nice, France 24-27 July
The Place Massena open air theatre just off the Promenade des Anglais gives this festival a super location it has two stages and hosts 6 concerts per evening. National & International stars feature at this iconic festival - Raye and Santa are the early names. Programme due in April.
Ystad Jazz Festival, Ystad, Sweden 30 July-2 August
With a beautiful compact Theatre, the main church and the Abbey, a seafront hotel and the town square the festival utilises all that is good about Ystad. Mare Nostrum, Nicole Johänntgen, Matthias Nilsson & LaGaylia Frazer are already announced. For the second year running the last day of the festival is held at the impressive Charlottenlund Manor with its vast lawns and stunning views.
August
UK:
Ealing Jazz Festival, Walpole Park Ealing, London 2-3 August
A Vibrant festival featuring Jazz and World Music set in the glorious surroundings of Walpole Park. The festival has two stages; a large outdoor stage plus a big top. Expect an eclectic mix of music in this great location. Programme soon.
Brecon Jazz Festival, Brecon 8-10 August
The new-look Brecon jazz weekend will feature; Ruby Turner, Sultan Stevenson, Cleveland Watkins, Jazz Sabbath, Larregub, Ursula Harrison among many more concerts and events at venues across the town.
www.breconjazzfestival2025.co.uk
We Out Here Festival, Wimborne St Giles, Dorset 14-17 August
This excellent outdoor festival curated by Gilles Peterson features established and emerging artists plus Hermeto Pascoal, Kokoroko, Incognito, Nubian Twist, Jimi Tenor, Michael Kiwanuka, Rotary Connection 222, DJ sets and many more– the full programme is online.
Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival, Rye 21-25 August
The festival celebrates a wide range of musical genres including international jazz stars, blues, RnB, soul, funk, latin, Cuban and gospel music - programme details are available soon.
Aberjazz Jazz & Blues Festival, Fishguard 21-25 August
The wonderful Aberjazz Festival celebrates the best of Jazz and Blues, and is held in various venues around Fishguard and the surrounding area. Expect a party atmosphere as the town comes to life with live music in the pubs and busking in the streets.
Bude Jazz Festival, Bude 26-29 August
A great festival down in Cornwall - Alan Barnes, John Shillito, Craig Milverton, John Hallam & Amy Roberts, Men Behaving Tradly, The Bude Street Parade among the 42 concerts available this year. The four-day stroller ticket is a bargain £145.
Europe:
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.
Au Grès Du Jazz, La Petite-Pierre, France 9-17 Aug
A very friendly compact festival in this small village in the Vosges du Nord Regional Park. It features national and international artists on the main open-air stage in the heart of the old town. L'Aventure Au grès du jazz on You Tube is a great insight into the festival. The programme is available in May.
Oslo Jazz Festival, Oslo, Norway 11-16 August
The festival program offers a nice mix of Scandinavian and International artists from all genres of jazz. Joshua Redman is artist in residence this year and he plays in a variety of groups alongside the likes of Bugge Wesseltoft, Gard Nilssen and the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra. Also announced is Marius Neset with Leif Ove Andsnes and Weird of Mouth featuring Craig Taborn.
Saalfelden Jazz Festival, Saalfelden, Austria 21-24 August
The 45th edition of this festival mainly featuring improvised music - you can expect a festival with more than 60 concerts in the town, on musical hikes all in the sight of beautiful mountains. Leonhard Skorupa opens the festival and The Orchestra of Good Hope, Sun-Mi Hong, and the Bilda Orchestra have also been announced.
Festival les Rendezvous de L’Erdre, Nantes, France 25 - 31 August
The festival is both one of the largest Jazz Festivals in France and a rare nautical gathering. Running now for 38 years it is completely free and runs for the week outdoors in public spaces in Nantes and 14 other cities in Loire-Atlantique, over 86km along the Erdre River and the Nantes-Brest canal. Programme published April.
Reykjavík Jazz 2025, Reykjavík, Iceland 26 - 31 August
The festival, held in an around the Icelandic capital but centred on the visually and acoustically stunning Harpa arts complex, provides both the opportunity to hear top international and local acts and to explore this fascinating country. The bill has yet to be announced but eclecticism and diversity will be a feature.
September
UK:
Islay Jazz Festival, Islay 19-22 September
The beautiful island of Islay reverberates each Autumn with the rich sounds of jazz at one of Scotland’s most iconic jazz festivals. Featuring the best of local Scottish talent alongside visiting musicians from further afield, concerts take place in venues ranging from whisky distilleries to village halls, churches to cultural centres. Programme April.
Isle of Wight Jazz Weekend, Newport, Isle of Wight 24 -28 September
A great weekend of music at Newport on the beautiful Isle of Wight. The festival features the best of UK jazz - programme details May.
Newcastle festival of Jazz & Improvised Music, Newcastle 26-28 Sept & 2-5 October
This festival in the heart of Newcastle has been celebrating Jazz and improvised music for nearly 10 years. There are two parts to the festival - the warm up event over the weekend of the 26-28 Sept and the main festival comes the following week. Programme available soon.
Scarborough Jazz Festival, Scarborough 26-28 September
Hosted at the excellent Scarborough Spa you can expect 3 days of top-class jazz - so far announced Emma Rawicz, Alan Barnes, Shez Rajamany more, Simon Spillett, Gaz Hughes, Shirley Smart, Jazz Train and with many more.
Europe:
Take the A Train Jazz Festival, Salzburg, Austria 11-14 September
This quirky festival is centred around the main railway station in the beautiful City of Salzburg. The events are on the station concourse, the clubs and bars and on Elisabethstraße which is just outside. An eclectic mix of music is always planned for the festival.
Umbria Jazz weekend, Terni, Italy 11-14 September
Held in the picturesque town of Terni this is a less frenetic version of the Umbria Summer Jazz festival in Perugia. A variety of venues are used; from clubs to the Roman Amphitheatre and the streets of the historic centre, it’s a four-day event full of unmissable music in a beautiful location.
The New Colours Jazz Festival, Gelsenkirchen, Germany 18-21 September
The festival uses iconic venues from the city’s industrial past as well as a beautiful castle in the centre of the city and a cathedral. The festival features national and international artists has a kids jazz show and is very family friendly.
Jazz Festival Leibnitz, Leibnitz, Austria 25-28 September
Jazz and wine combine with innovative musical projects in a musical program with the special ambience of the wine region of southern Styria. The huge wine cellar at Seggau Castle and the unique open-air stage at the Weingartenhotel Harkamp of the seven great locations. Programme June.
Krakow Jazz Week, Krakow, Poland 26-September - 5 October
Two Jazz competitions and concerts make up Krakow Jazz Week. The Siefert Jazz days Festival is the 26-28 Sept - the closing concert is from Ernst Reisjeber. The excellent Jazz Juniors Competition is from the 2-5 Oct - a chance to see the next generation of artists before anyone else! There are evening concerts and much to explore during the day.
October
UK:
Shrewsbury Django Festival, Shrewsbury 10-12 October
The biggest Gypsy Jazz event of the year in the UK - already booked Martin Taylor, Paulus Schäfer, Chris Quinn & Robin Nolan - an early bird weekend ticket costs just £79.
Leyburn Jazz Festival, North Yorkshire, 16-19 October
Leyburn Jazz Festival is back for its highly anticipated fifth edition with a strong line-up of leading UK names performing against the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. Highlights of the programme include An Adventurous Dream – Ian Shaw/Tony Kofi’s Ellington and Strayhorn-inspired Quartet; the Paul Edis and Vasilis Xenopoulos Quartet, Northern Swing Orchestra, Alligator Gumbo, Jack Pearce Quintet and Grammy-nominated singer Alexia Gardner.
Europe:
Nancy Jazz Pulsations, Nancy, France 4-18 October
Nancy is one of the top cities in France for Jazz. The festival happens in venues all over the city and other locations throughout the region. There are more than 80 top class concerts and events during the festival. Last year highlights were Brad Mehldau, Richard Bona, Chief Adjuah, Adi Oasis and Harold Lopez-Nussa, Programme available May.
Stockholm Jazz Festival, Stockholm, Sweden 10-19 October
The festival uses around 70 venues throughout the city and is one of the largest festivals in Sweden last year 269 concerts! It features national and international artists and last year Vijay Iyer, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Bill Frisell and the Ezra Collective performed. The full program is available June.
Jazz in the City, Salzburg, 16-19 October
Another great festival in the magnificent city of Salzburg. The festival is spread over many venues around the city. Featuring major jazz bands and then mixing them up putting together some great . new collaborations. Everything is walkable and the best thing is that everything is free.
Skopje Jazz Festival, Macedonia 16-19 October
The Skopje Jazz Festival features mostly improvised and free jazz in this iconic Capital City. It is the ideal place for a weekend break and is still relatively cheap for accommodation and concert tickets. If you do want to go - book early as the concerts tend to sell out. The programme is online during May.
Belgrade Jazz Festival, Belgrade, Serbia 23-26 October
This historic festival presents musicians on the leading edge of jazz from the US and Europe. Belgrade is a buzzing place and the festival vibe is one of the best. Accommodation and food is still very reasonable and flights cheap. The festival ticket for all shows is under £100.
www.bjf.rs
Guinness Jazz Festival, Cork, Eire 23-27 October
The entire city is emersed in music making Cork a fabulous place to be during festival time. Using The Opera House, The Everyman Theatre, The Triskel Arts Centre and bars and clubs it is a full-on festival of music - full programme soon.
Pancevo Jazz Festival, Pancevo, Serbia October 30 -1 November
The Pancevo Jazz festival always presents high quality modern jazz from across the world. The audience is young and enthusiastic and the warm and friendly atmosphere of the Cultural Centre , where all concerts take place makes it a great event. The tickets here are very inexpensive and the river fish restaurants here are among the best!
Tampere Jazz Happening, Finland October 30 November 2 November
A well respected festival held in Tampere, Finland. The main concerts are usually based at the Pakkahuone concert hall with the Telakka restaurant hosting mostly Finnish jazz. The night concerts are at Klubi. The full programme published in August.
November
UK:
EFG London Jazz Festival, London 14-23 November
The capital-wide festival, the UK's biggest and most prestigious jazz event, always packs in a high-calibre line up of top international jazz stars with more than 300 gigs taking place over 10 days at every type and size of venue. Names just announced for this year’s festival include Japanese piano star Hiromi; vocal legend Dee Dee Bridgewater; bassist Christian McBride celebrating Ray Brown; and Kurt Elling with The Yellowjackets saluting Weather Report.
www.efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk
Dundee Jazz Festival, Dundee, November, Dates tbc
For over 40 years, the Dundee Jazz Festival has provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the city’s venues to jazz fans and the jazz-curious in which to enjoy the best of jazz in all its varieties.
Europe:
Zaragoza Jazz Festival, Zaragoza, Spain Most of November
Nearly a month-long festival in the beautiful city of Zaragoza. Last year the headliners were Christian McBride, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Maria Schneider, Cyrus Chestnut & Lakecia Benjamin.
December
Europe:
Umbria Jazz Winter Jazz, Orvieto, Italy 28 December – 1 January
What better reason to visit Orvieto over the New Year holiday? Five days of wonderful music in this ancient and beautiful old town. Programme published in September.
January 2026
Europe:
Münster In-between Jazz Festival, Münster, Germany 3-4 January
A shorter in-between festival based at the Münster Theatre in this very pretty city. The main festival is biennial - so this is a smaller more compact version. The city is very interesting and is well worth a look at between gigs.
Saalfelden Winter Jazz, Saalfelden, Austria, 23-25 January
A jazzy winter weekend festival in the snow and mountains in Saalfelden. With around 10 shows at several locations in this pretty town don’t forget to bring your ski’s!
Sparks & Visions Festival, Regensburg, Germany 24-25 January
A great festival held in the Regensburg Theatre. The concerts feature national and international musicians - this year Corto Alto, Robinson Khoury, Marcin Wasilewski and Simin Tander.
Vertrarjazz 26, late January
Known in English as ‘Winterjazz’, this is a wonderful festival held in Tórshavn, the capital of the windswept but beautiful Faroe Islands. Expect a friendly welcome and an eclectic bill – encompassing everything from trad to the avant-garde – from Faroese, Nordic/Scandi and international jazz artists.
February
UK:
Liverpool International Jazz Festival, Liverpool, February. Dates to be Confirmed
Based at the Capstone theatre the emphasis of the festival is on contemporary instrumental jazz in a variety of styles with a focus on presenting work from an international selection of world class artists - this year featured Darius Brubeck, Ivo Neame, Neil Cowley, Dorian Ford and Emma Rawicz.
www.capstone.hope.ac.uk/jazzfestival
Europe:
Montreux Jazz Winter Residency, Villar-sur-Ollon, Switzerland, Weekends in February
A great opportunity for young emerging jazz talent to play in front of a big audience in this iconic location. The best get to perform at the main summer Montreux festival with the stars.