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May 3, 2025
‣ Corinne Bailey Rae with Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra
‣ Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
About the Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Cheltenham Jazz Festival FAQ
Quick Links
‣ Cheltenham Jazz Festival Official Website
David Gray, Jools Holland, Amadou & Mariam, Nubya Garcia, and Corinne Bailey Rae with the Ronnie Scott’s Orchestra lead the initial lineup for the festival’s 29th edition.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival is back for its 29th year, and the celebrations are already underway! As part of Cheltenham Festivals’ 80th anniversary, the 2025 event promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Taking place in venues across the historic spa town from April 30th to May 5th, 2025, the festival will showcase a diverse range of talent, from internationally acclaimed artists to rising stars of the UK jazz scene.
Multi-million-selling singer-songwriter David Gray, will be making his Cheltenham debut with tracks from his new album Dear Life and classics like “Babylon.”
Experience the legendary Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, bringing their infectious energy and 50 years of musical mastery to the stage.
And don’t miss the chance to groove to the unique sounds of Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, whose blend of traditional West African music with funk, reggae, and blues has earned them global acclaim.
The festival also welcomes back the incredible Nubya Garcia, hailed by The Guardian as “one of the top-line names to emerge from the past decade’s explosion of young London jazz talent.”
And prepare to be enchanted by the soulful vocals of Corinne Bailey Rae as she joins forces with the esteemed Ronnie Scott’s Orchestra for an exclusive Cheltenham performance.
This is just a taste of what’s to come! As Head of Programming Ian George explains, “We’re thrilled to share a taste of what Festival-goers can expect from Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2025… Bringing together the finest contemporary jazz from across the globe, we celebrate every genre that pulses with jazz’s vibrant DNA. From symphonic ensembles and big bands to intimate club sessions and electrifying late-night jams, this year’s Festival captures the full spectrum of jazz’s evolution.”
And for those seeking the cutting edge of contemporary jazz, Alex Carr, Contemporary Music Programmer at Southbank Centre and Jazz Programmer for Cheltenham, promises an “exhilarating and diverse” program at the Parabola Arts Centre, “reflecting a slice of the brilliant music that’s being created in the UK with a sprinkle of international magic. Whether you’re a fan of adventurous improvised music, or the cool bop of New York jazz this year’s programme really does have something for everyone.”
The full program, featuring large-scale concerts, intimate club shows, world premieres, masterclasses, family-friendly events, and free performances, will be announced in the new year. With a vibrant mix of established names and exciting new talent, Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2025 is set to be an unforgettable celebration of music and culture.
May 3, 2025
Corinne Bailey Rae with Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra
British soul sensation Corinne Bailey Rae joins forces with the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra for an unforgettable concert.
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
The UK’s favourite Rhythm & Blues showman returns to Cheltenham with his sensational big band.
May 4, 2025
Amadou & Mariam
Mali’s iconic musical duo bring their infectious blend of West African sounds to Cheltenham.
David Gray
The acclaimed singer-songwriter returns to Cheltenham with his signature blend of folk, rock, and soul.
Nubya Garcia
The Mercury Prize-nominated saxophonist and composer pushes the boundaries of contemporary jazz.
About the Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Celebrating 80 years of world-class jazz in the beautiful spa town of Cheltenham.
The Cheltenham Jazz Festival is one of the UK’s leading jazz events, attracting music lovers from around the globe to the picturesque spa town.
For six days each spring, Cheltenham comes alive with the sounds of jazz, showcasing a diverse range of talent from international stars and cutting-edge contemporary artists to classic big band performances.
The festival offers a vibrant mix of large-scale concerts in the tented village at Montpellier Gardens, intimate club sessions in venues across town like the Playhouse Theatre and Town Hall, and free outdoor performances, creating a unique atmosphere of musical discovery.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival is part of Cheltenham Festivals’ annual season, which also includes the renowned Science, Music, and Literature Festivals.
This rich cultural heritage makes Cheltenham a hub of creativity and intellectual curiosity, with the Jazz Festival playing a key role in this vibrant scene.
Beyond the main stage, the festival also features a vibrant programme of workshops, talks, and family-friendly activities, making it a truly immersive celebration of jazz culture.
Cheltenham Jazz Festival FAQ
When do Cheltenham Jazz Festival tickets go on sale?
Tickets for the Cheltenham Jazz Festival generally go on sale in the winter months, a few months ahead of the festival in the spring. It’s best to check the official Cheltenham Festivals website for the most up-to-date information on ticket releases and announcements.
Is Cheltenham Jazz Festival free?
While the Cheltenham Jazz Festival offers a range of ticket prices for its various concerts and events, there are also free performances available throughout the festival. The Free Stage in Montpellier Gardens showcases both emerging and established artists, and many venues around town host free gigs as part of the festival fringe.
When is Cheltenham Jazz Festival?
The next Cheltenham Jazz Festival will take place from Wednesday 30 April – Monday 5 May 2025.
Where is Cheltenham Jazz Festival?
The Cheltenham Jazz Festival takes place in various venues throughout Cheltenham Spa, a town in Gloucestershire, England. The main hub of the festival is the tented village in Montpellier Gardens, but concerts and events are also held in other locations around the town.
Can abstract artists take part in Cheltenham Jazz Festival?
While the focus of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival is on musical performances, there may be opportunities for visual artists to participate. It’s worth contacting the festival organizers directly to inquire about any possibilities for showcasing visual art during the festival.
How much are tickets for Cheltenham Jazz Festival?
Ticket prices for the Cheltenham Jazz Festival vary depending on the event and the performer. There are options to suit different budgets, with some free events, affordable tickets for smaller shows, and higher-priced tickets for headline concerts. Check the festival website for detailed ticket information and pricing.
How old is the Cheltenham Jazz Festival?
The Cheltenham Jazz Festival was established in 1996, making it one of the UK’s relatively newer jazz festivals. Despite its younger age, it has quickly become one of the most popular and respected jazz events in the country. In 2025, the festival will be celebrating its 29th anniversary.
How to get to Cheltenham Jazz Festival?
Cheltenham Spa is easily accessible by train, with direct services from London Paddington and other major cities. The town is also well-connected by road, with the M5 motorway providing easy access. Once in Cheltenham, the festival venues are within walking distance of the town centre and train station. There are also local bus services and taxi options available.
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