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| © John Lyons Photography |
Newcastle jazz band Knats became the first act to sell out following the announcement of their 2026 Mercury Prize nomination, adding to growing excitement around the three-day festival, which takes place across Durham City from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October.
Knats are among 12 artists shortlisted for the prestigious award, with their album A Great Day In Newcastle competing alongside releases from major names including Olivia Dean, Paul McCartney and RAYE.
Following widespread coverage of the nomination, tickets for the band's Durham Jazz Festival appearance at Fabio's Bar on Saturday 24 October sold out. The performance comes just two days after the Mercury Prize winner is announced at Newcastle's Utilita Arena.
With other festival shows now also selling fast, organisers John Lyons, Alan Patrickson and Richard Turner, are encouraging audiences to book early for the performances they don't want to miss. Emma Fisk's Hot Club du Nord show celebrating the music of Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt on Friday lunchtime is also now sold out.
“The response to our first Durham Jazz Festival has been fantastic. Seeing Knats sell out following their Mercury Prize nomination is a real milestone, and we're now seeing several other shows getting close to capacity,” said Mr Patrickson.
“We created the festival to showcase the incredible jazz talent we have here in the North East alongside some of the most exciting artists from across the UK. We want Durham to be filled with live music, with something for dedicated jazz fans and people discovering the genre for the first time.”
Taking place across venues throughout Durham City, the inaugural festival will bring together leading national artists, established North East musicians and emerging talent for three days of jazz.
Among the headline performances is Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club presents: The Ronnie Scott's Soho Songbook at Redhills Durham Miners' Hall, bringing musicians from London's legendary jazz institution to the city.
Durham-born vocalist Jo Harrop will return to the city for her Hometown Album Launch of Love Now, Pay Later, while the programme also features ‘Jazz Vocalist of the Year’ at the JazzFM 2026 awards nominee Marvin Muoneké - who will play with Newcastle’s 19-piece orchestra, The Strictly Smokin' Big Band.
On the bill is also Seb Rochford's Finding Ways, The Pete Roth Trio featuring Bill Bruford, Vasilis Xenopoulos and Paul Edis Quartet, and Janette Mason ReWired.
The festival culminates on Sunday evening with a bang - a special double bill of swing and Jump Jive, presented in association with Durham Brass Festival, featuring the Olivia Cuttill Quintet and King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys at Redhills Durham Miners' Hall. This promises to be a riotous and fun party evening to bring the festival to a close.
Emerging artists also feature prominently, including London-based Jazz trio, SULA; rising neo-soul artist Rivkala; contemporary jazz vocalist and songwriter, Eleonora Kouneni; and Newcastle contemporary jazz collective SwanNek.
“The festival has been created to celebrate both the rich jazz talent of the North East and leading artists from across the UK, with a programme designed to appeal to dedicated jazz followers as well as audiences looking to discover the genre for the first time,” said Mr Lyons.
He added: “Performances will take place at a number of venues across Durham City, allowing audiences to move between venues and experience everything from intimate club-style gigs and late-night jams to big band performances and major headline shows.”
Tickets remain available for performances across the weekend, with audiences able to receive 10% off when purchasing tickets for three or more eligible shows.
For the full programme, artist information and tickets, visit the
Durham Jazz Festival website.
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