Marking three decades of world-class music, the 2026 Festival (29th April – 4th May), brought together international headliners, genre-defying artists and emerging talent in a vibrant celebration of past, present and future. With over 41,000 tickets sold - more than ever before - this landmark year reaffirmed Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s place as one of Europe’s leading music festivals.
30 Years Young: A Festival Looking to the Future
At the heart of this year’s Festival was a renewed focus on the future of jazz, with GRAMMY award-winning singer and songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae stepping into her new role as Guest Curator for 2026–2028. Across the week Corinne immersed herself in the Festival, not only performing a standout show in the Festival’s Big Top but also supporting emerging artists and spending time at the Jazz It Up programme, reinforcing her commitment to music education and access.
Her curatorship signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Festival, with a shared vision centred on creativity, opportunity and nurturing the next generation of talent.
Guest Curator, Corinne Bailey Rae, said: “The Festival does so much great work. It does work in [the] community; it does work with young people and says how can we get music to people who wouldn’t necessarily walk through these doors.”
Unforgettable Performances Across the Festival
Across the site, artists spanning jazz, soul, blues and beyond delivered a dynamic and diverse programme, reflecting the Festival’s commitment to artistic excellence and innovation. Audiences were treated to standout performances across the six-day programme, with highlights including an homage to Miles Davis’ 100th birthday celebrating his iconic jazz album Kind of Blue with Guy Barker’s Big Band and the BBC Concert Orchestra; a show-stopping set from Jessie J which had crowds on their feet; captivating vocals from ‘the Grace Jones of Jazz’, Lady Blackbird; and a memorable Festival-closing performance from Jack Savoretti who spoke to the Festival-goers about the importance of events such as these: “Look after your local community, this is where itall happens. How often do you get together like this. [The Festival] is magic” he said.
Championing Music Education and Community
A defining feature of the 30th anniversary year was the Festival’s sustained commitment to music education, access and community engagement.
Through its Jazz It Up programme and year-round Musicate work, Cheltenham Festivals – the charity behind Cheltenham Jazz Festival – brings music directly into schools and communities across Gloucestershire. This culminated at the Festival with the Concert for Schools, which welcomed 1200 schoolchildren to the Big Top to experience live music from the Happy Vampers - for many young people, this was their very first live music experience.
In addition, over 200 free community and connection tickets were distributed in partnership with local organisations and charities supporting wellbeing, including Caring for Communities and People (CCP), Cheltenham Borough Homes (CBH), Gloucestershire Deaf Association (GDA) and Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees (CWR), enabling local communities to experience, enjoy and access live music who might not otherwise be able to attend.
A Festival Rooted in Legacy, Looking Ahead
As Cheltenham Jazz Festival celebrates 30 years, this record-breaking year highlights not only its enduring legacy, but its ability to inspire and pave the way for the talent of tomorrow, while celebrating the legacy of global stars and bringing together local communities.
Plans are well under way for the 31st edition in 2027 (taking place 28th April – 3rd May). With a clear focus on their next chapter, the Festival continues to champion the power of live music to connect communities, inspire change and create opportunity, laying the foundations for the next 30 years and beyond.
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