The inaugural three-day event, which runs at venues across the city from 23 to 25 October 2026, will come to a rousing close on Sunday, 25 October, as King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys and the Olivia Cuttill Quintet perform at Redhills Durham Miners’ Hall.
Presented in association with Durham Brass Festival, the double bill brings together two acts made for a memorable night out: the irresistible rhythm and showmanship of King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys and the soulful, story-led sound of rising trumpet star Olivia Cuttill and her quintet.
King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys have performed more than 7,000 shows across 21 countries over almost four decades, sharing bills with the likes of B.B. King and Ray Charles. Their high-energy mix of jump, jive, blues and swing promises to send the festival out in style.
Award-winning trumpeter, composer and lyricist Olivia Cuttill draws on the sounds of New Orleans, with influences ranging from Louis Armstrong and Dr John to Nina Simone. Performing with her quintet, she will bring music rich in character, warmth and storytelling to the Redhills stage.
John Lyons, co-director of Durham Jazz Festival, said: “We wanted the final night to feel like a celebration. King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys know exactly how to get a room moving, while Olivia is an extraordinary musician who combines New Orleans swing and soulfulness with great storytelling. You don’t need to know anything about jazz to have a brilliant time at this show. Just come ready for a great night of live music.”
Cllr Karen Allison, Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street at Durham County Council, organisers of Durham Brass Festival, said: “One of Durham Brass Festival’s key ambitions is to create more opportunities for people to access music and culture within County Durham.
“As such, we’re delighted to support Durham Jazz Festival, which is helping to diversify the county’s cultural offer and bring more unique experiences to communities.”
The closing-night double bill takes place at Redhills Durham Miners’ Hall on Sunday, 25 October 2026, from 8pm to 10.30pm.
There is plenty to discover before the finale, too. On Friday, 23 October, Norwegian cellist Maja Bugge and pianist Dave Evans will bring an atmospheric performance blending jazz, improvisation and contemporary composition to Claypath Delicatessen. Later that evening, Newcastle collective SwanNek will take to the stage at Fabio’s Bar for a show that pushes jazz into bold new territory.
The programme also features OUTRI, the solo bass project of North East musician Ian ‘Dodge’ Paterson, on Saturday afternoon. Blending jazz, folk, electronica and found sound, his live-looped music offers another side of a festival designed for curious listeners as well as lifelong jazz fans.
Sunday afternoon brings a high-octane celebration of Miles Davis’s electric period in his centenary year, while acclaimed artist Janette Mason - who has performed with Oasis, Pulp and k.d lang, will perform her ReWired arrangements of pop and rock classics, from Bowie to Olivia Rodrigo.
Janette Mason said: "My approach to jazz is innovative, but the music is very accessible - people will know the tunes, just not in the way they would expect.
“From Kate Bush’s ‘The Man with the Child in His Eyes’ to Bowie’s ‘Ashes to Ashes’ and Oasis’s ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’, I take familiar songs and put them through the jazz tumble dryer to see what comes out the other end.
“I love watching people’s faces light up when they recognise a tune. You don’t need to be a jazz fan to enjoy it, but I hope the audience leaves with a new appreciation of what jazz can do.”
For the full festival programme and tickets, visit durhamjazzfestival.co.uk
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