This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, and the celebrations are set to be unforgettable. The festival has unveiled a dazzling line-up featuring jazz legends and contemporary stars alike, including 10cc, Joss Stone, Jessie J, Van Morrison, Jack Savoretti, and James Morrison.
Taking place from Wednesday, April 29, to Monday, May 4, the festival returns to the Festival Village at Montpellier Gardens in Cheltenham. Attendees can look forward to a diverse program spanning world-class jazz performances, special one-off shows, free events, workshops, family activities, and late-night jam sessions, all designed to cater to music lovers of all ages.
Adding to the excitement, the double Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae has been announced as the Festival’s new Guest Curator for 2026-2028. Her appointment coincides with the 20th anniversary of her self-titled debut album and follows in the footsteps of Gregory Porter. Bailey Rae plans to curate a range of specially commissioned performances and play a key role in shaping the festival’s artistic vision over the coming three years.
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Bailey Rae’s personal highlights include Joss Stone, Lady Blackbird, Gotts Street Park, Ladies of Midnight Blue, Emma Jean-Thackray, and Tinariwen. Speaking on her new role, she expressed her enthusiasm: “Jazz is such an important part of my life and learning journey. I’m thrilled to celebrate its incredible legacy as part of the Cheltenham family, embracing new ideas and future collaborations while amplifying new voices.”
The upcoming 2026 festival will also honor the 100th birthday of the legendary Miles Davis with a specially commissioned orchestral tribute. The Guy Barker Big Band & BBC Concert Orchestra will perform “Miles Davis Symphonic: Kind of Blue,” featuring exclusive arrangements and guest artists to celebrate Davis’s enduring impact on jazz.
This year’s event also sees an expansion and renaming of the DEYA Arena, which will now have a capacity of 900 thanks to a new partnership with Cheltenham-based DEYA Brewery. The arena’s international lineup includes Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca, Saharan desert blues collective Tinariwen, a 90s-themed set from DJ YODA, and lively contemporary jazz from local saxophonist and vocalist Kim Cypher.
Ian George, Head of Programming for the Jazz Festival and co-CEO of Cheltenham Festivals, commented, “Reaching 30 years is a major milestone for Cheltenham Jazz Festival. This anniversary programme embodies what the festival’s always stood for – world-class artists, innovative jazz, and a platform for emerging talent. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Corinne Bailey Rae as our Guest Curator and look forward to her influence over the next three years.”