This year’s festival will also welcome Joshua Redman, one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation, as well as US guitarist Bill Frisell performing a special show to mark his 75th birthday alongside mentor Eyvind Kang; drummer and producer Makaya McCraven; and US singer Lady Blackbird.
Celebrating the UK’s rich jazz and soul heritage, 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; emerging soul singer Nectar Woode; Gentlemen’s Dub Club celebrating 20 years since their formation; and London-based duo Blue Lab Beats.
In 2026, the newly titled DEYA Arena will expand its capacity to 900 and will be sponsored by Cheltenham-based DEYA Brewery as part of a new Partnership. The venue will host an international line-up including Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca; Saharan desert blues collective Tinariwen; along with a 90s mixtape from DJ YODA and contemporary jazz from saxophonist and vocalist Kim Cypher.
This year’s Dunkertons stage brings blues influences to the Festival. The Easy Rollers will deliver a set inspired by 1930s swing, Giacomo Smith will bring modern blues energy, and emerging talent Elysia Biro will showcase her vocals and contemporary soul.
The Parabola Arts Centre (PAC) returns with a programme focused on adventurous new work and emerging talent. Highlights include saxophonist Emma Rawicz; a specially commissioned show from Yazz Ahmed; British jazz tuba player Theon Cross; saxophonist Camilla George; BLACKSABBATHMODE – a reimagining of the music of Black Sabbath from the nu-jazz duo BIGHEADMODE (Robbie and Ewan Moore) and south London multi-instrumentalist Plumm; American singer and broadcaster China Moses, and more.
Building on the charity’s landmark 80th campaign, which reached more than 80,000 children, this year’s Jazz Festival continues its year-round commitment to talent development and outreach, presenting a range of family-friendly events, including Jazz It Up on the Free Stage, a Family Concert, and a Jazz Concert for Schools.
“Reaching 30 years is a major milestone for Cheltenham Jazz Festival. This anniversary programme reflects everything the Festival has always stood for – world-class artists, boundary-pushing jazz and a platform for the next generation,” said Ian George, head of programming for the Jazz Festival and co-CEO of parent charity Cheltenham Festivals. “We’re delighted to have appointed the brilliant Corinne Bailey Rae as our new Guest Curator and look forward to our collaboration over the next three years.”
Line-up
Big Top
James Morrison
Van Morrison
Jessie J
ABC
Joss Stone
The Earth Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay
10cc
Jack Savoretti
Mica Paris with Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra
Miles Davis Symphonic: Kind of Blue - Guy Barker Big Band & BBC Concert Orchestra
Jalen Ngonda
Town Hall
Nigel Kennedy
Joshua Redman
The Puppini Sisters
Bill Frisell & Eyvind Kang
Courtney Pine
Georgia Cecile – American Songbook
Lady Blackbird
DEYA Arena
DJ YODA
Gotts Street Park
Blue Lab Beats
Emma-Jean Thackray
Tinariwen
Makaya McCraven
Gentleman's Dub Club
Roberto Fonseca
Nectar Woode
Kim Cypher featuring Ashley Slater
The Big Family Gig
Dunkertons
The Easy Rollers
Giacomo Smith
Elysia Biro
PAC
China Moses
Yazz Ahmed (Tony Dudley Evans Commission)
Theon Cross
Camilla George
Emma Rawicz
Black Sabbath Mode
RBC & Siena Co-collaboration
Ladies of Midnight Blue
Elaine Mitchener
Matt Carmichael
Robinson Khoury
Family Tent
Tots Tunes with Tara Franks
Jazz Kids
Discover Kathak with Sonia Sabri
Aga Serugo-Lugo: Family Sing
Afro-Latin Adventures: Ladies of Midnight Blue
Family Ceilidh
Suntou Susso
Alice Zawadzki
Jessie J credit MITCHPERYER
