The Cheltenham Jazz Festival returns in just four weeks for a landmark 30th anniversary edition, bringing together international stars from across jazz, pop, blues, soul, and R&B for six days of live music running from 29th April – 4th May 2026.
As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, the Festival has announced that double-Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae will become its new Guest Curator from 2026 to 2028. Taking over from Gregory Porter, and coinciding with the 20th anniversary of her self-titled debut album, Bailey Rae will curate a series of specially commissioned performances and help shape the Festival’s artistic direction over the next three years. Her selected highlights for the Festival include Joss Stone, Lady Blackbird, Gotts Street Park, Ladies of Midnight Blue, Emma-Jean Thackray and Tinariwen.
The 2026 Festival will also mark the centenary of Miles Davis with a special orchestral tribute from the Guy Barker Big Band and the BBC Concert Orchestra. Their performance, Miles Davis Symphonic: Kind of Blue, will feature exclusive arrangements and guest performers, celebrating the enduring influence of one of the most important figures in jazz history.
Among the headline performances at the Festival’s 2,000-capacity Big Top are Brit Award-winning singer-songwriter Jessie J, making her Cheltenham Jazz Festival debut; visionary singer-songwriter Van Morrison; the Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay; double Brit Award-winning soul star Joss Stone; the world-renowned Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra with Mica Paris; art-pop pioneers 10cc; an intimate acoustic set from Jack Savoretti; the world’s best-selling violinist Nigel Kennedy; 80s pop trailblazers ABC; Motown-inspired vocalist Jalen Ngonda; and British singer-songwriter James Morrison.
The Festival’s contemporary jazz programme continues its commitment to showcasing leading international artists, including influential saxophonist Joshua Redman; acclaimed US guitarist Bill Frisell performing a special show to mark his 75th birthday alongside mentor Eyvind Kang; boundary-pushing drummer and producer Makaya McCraven; and US singer Lady Blackbird.
Celebrating the UK’s rich jazz and soul scene, the programme also features Courtney Pine marking the 40th anniversary of his landmark debut album Journey to the Urge Within; Mercury Prize nominee Emma-Jean Thackray; Scottish retro soul-jazz singer Georgia Cécile; Leeds-based trio Gotts Street Park; rising soul singer Nectar Woode; Gentleman’s Dub Club celebrating 20 years since their formation; and London-based duo Blue Lab Beats.
In 2026, the newly named DEYA Arena will expand its capacity to 900 and will be sponsored by Cheltenham-based DEYA Brewing Company as part of a new partnership. The venue will host a strong international line-up including Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca; Saharan desert blues collective Tinariwen; a 90s mixtape set from DJ Yoda; and contemporary jazz from UK saxophonist and vocalist Kim Cypher.
This year’s Dunkertons stage brings bold blues influences to the Festival, with performances from The Easy Rollers delivering a set inspired by 1930s swing, Giacomo Smith bringing modern blues energy, and emerging talent Elysia Biro showcasing powerful vocals and contemporary soul.
The Parabola Arts Centre returns with a programme dedicated to adventurous new work and rising talent. Highlights include forward-thinking saxophonist Emma Rawicz; a specially commissioned performance from Yazz Ahmed; British jazz tuba player Theon Cross; acclaimed saxophonist Camilla George; BLACKSABBATHMODE — a reimagining of Black Sabbath by nu-jazz duo BIGHEADMODE (Robbie and Ewan Moore) and South London multi-instrumentalist Plumm; and American singer and broadcaster China Moses, among others.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival takes place in the Festival Village at Montpellier Gardens, presenting a programme of exclusive performances, free events, group workshops, family-friendly shows, late-night jam sessions and more. The festival also extends across the town, with additional events hosted at venues including Cheltenham Town Hall, Parabola Arts Centre and Hotel Du Vin.
The full line-up for this year’s Festival is below. All tickets available from cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz.
