UK’s Best Festivals For Jazz Lovers 2026
By
3 weeks ago
Jazzy festivals to visit this summer
Whether you’re a die-hard jazz fan or merely looking to appreciate good music in beautiful surroundings, there are plenty of jazz festivals to quench your thirst. Here’s where we will be bopping in 2026.
UK’s Best Jazz Festivals 2026
© Still Moving Media for Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Cheltenham
One of Europe’s largest jazz festivals is internationally renowned for bringing the very best jazz musicians to the pretty Cotswolds town of Cheltenham (also known for its Races and its Literature Festival). Balancing world-renowned artists with talented up-and-comers, the Festival is always looking to create new jazz fans with new audiences.
Where? Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham
When? 29 April–4 May 2026
Tickets: Many events are free, but some are ticketed. All tickets can be purchased online or over the phone on +441242 850270. You can also purchase tickets during the festival at the box office (the opening times will be listed here).
EFG London Jazz Festival, London
The annual London Jazz Festival is the largest of its kind in Europe, typically featuring more than 300 shows on the bill, spanning 70 venues and drawing over 100,000 people in live audiences. Taking place annually since 1992, performers and audiences flock from across the globe to be part of it, and the line-up is jam packed with world-class events across London.
Where? Across London, including venues like Roundhouse and the Southbank Centre
When? 13–22 November 2026
Tickets: Sold per event.
@garryjonesphotography
Cross The Tracks, London
This one-day London jazz festival is all about culture, music and community. Taking over south London’s Brockwell Park, music is naturally at the heart of the festival, but more than 70 food trucks will keep you fuelled up, and local traders will set up stores selling artisan wares, too. On the music side, expect some of the world’s premier jazz artists to take to one of the nine al fresco stages, from jazz to funk, soul to hip hop.
Where? Brockwell Park, London SE24 0NG)
When? Sunday 24 May 2026
Tickets: Day passes, from £71.45pp, give access to the full festival.
Brick Lane Jazz Festival, London
The grassroots jazz scene is thriving in the British capital, and Brick Lane Jazz Festival is the annual event showcasing all things London jazz, alongside a series of one-off events throughout the year. Championing eclectic, genre-defying artists from the surrounding area, Brick Lane Jazz Festival is all about the community vibes – with world class music to boot.
Where? Venues around Brick Lane, London, centred on The Truman Brewery (91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QR)
When? 23–26 April 2026
Tickets: A festival pass gives access to all day time events, starting from £43.15 for a Sunday pass.
Love Supreme Jazz Festival, Sussex
Venture to East Sussex’s beautiful Glynde Place for Love Supreme Music Festival, which features world-class jazz and soul music alongside a wellness and yoga area, organised hill walks across the South Downs, talks and panels, film screenings, and DJs late into the night. This year’s headliners include Loyle Carner, Ezra Collective and De La Soul, plus there will be special on-site Ottolenghi restaurant to enjoy.
Where? Glynde Place, Glynde, Lewes BN8 6SX
When? 3–5 July 2026
Tickets: Day and weekend passes are available, starting from £69.30pp.
Jazz Cafe Festival, London
Another London must-visit for jazz fans is Jazz Cafe Festival, an annual summer affair bringing the very best live music to the open air of Burgess Park, hosted by one of the city’s top jazz bars. Up to 15,000 people can attend, and the headliner this year is Ari Lennox, joined by 20 more artists across four stages; think R&B, hip-hop and electronica alongside soulful jazz.
Where? Burgess Park, Albany Rd, London SE5 0AL
When? 2 August 2026
Tickets: Prices start from £45pp for the full day (midday to 10pm). Guests must be 18 or over.
Iford Manor. Photo by Simon Knight
Iford Manor Jazz Festival, Bradford-on-Avon
Iford Manor is a lovely, historic venue with a fledgling jazz festival launched just a few years ago. Curated by multi-award-winning jazz vocalist Claire Martin OBE, the programme is filled with acclaimed jazz artists from all over the world alongside rising stars. A concise line-up and limited number of tickets makes for the most intimate of jazz performances from captivating artists in the historic setting, come accompanied by delectable food.
Where? Iford Manor, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 2BA
When? 18–21 June 2026
Tickets: Sold per event.
We Out Here, Dorset
We Out Here is billed as a jazz festival ‘for everyone’, the brainchild of British DJ Giles Peterson. The inaugural 2019 festival was an instant success, with a stellar line-up spanning not just jazz but house, disco, soul, drum ‘n’ bass and more. Elsewhere you’ll find ‘The Escape’, which hosts mindfulness workshops, yoga and art therapy, a wild swimming lake, plenty of cultural offerings and excellent food.
Where? St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles, Wimborne BH21 5NA
When? 20–23 August 2026
Tickets: Day and weekend passes are available, starting from £75.90pp.
