Katya Gorrie, Artistic Director of Bristol Jazz Festival, confirmed that Bristol Jazz Festival will take the year off following significant funding challenges.
Ms Gorrie said: “We are certainly not the only ones to be affected by budget cuts, so we have decided to put as much energy as possible into raising funds and awareness this year in order to carry on for 2026 and beyond. We will use this year to work with our local communities and partners to build a sustainable future for the Festival and call upon the festival’s dedicated supporters to play an active role in shaping its future through membership programmes, fundraising events, and sponsorship opportunities.”
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Image: Bristol Jazz Festival
Since its inception, BJF has been a cornerstone of Bristol’s jazz scene, bringing together legendary artists, including the likes of Andy Sheppard, Pee Wee Ellis, and Macy Gray, rising stars from the UK’s jazz scene, and a passionate community of music lovers. Despite not holding a full festival, the Bristol Jazz Festival will continue to play a vital role in the region’s cultural output, bringing the best local, regional, and national talent to the city.
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Image: Bristol Jazz Festival
To bring in much-needed funds to maintain the Festival, a major event will take place at Bristol’s The Mount Without on Wednesday 28 May. The 900-year-old former church will provide a unique backdrop for an evening of live performances, bringing together some of the city’s most exciting musical talents. More than just a fundraiser, the event highlights Bristol’s thriving jazz scene, set against the striking acoustics of this centuries-old venue. Full details will be released in the last week of March on our social media channels and website.
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Image: Bristol Jazz Festival
Building on the success of the Adrian Cox edition, Bristol Jazz Festival will continue its partnership with Bristol Jazz Workshop to present Jazz in the Loft, a new series designed to keep the festival spirit alive as BJF works toward a full return in 2026. Jazz in the Loft will be a live performance and an intimate masterclass from a celebrated jazz artist. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn directly from the artist, gaining insights into their craft, techniques, and creative process.
To kick off the Spring edition, the Joe Webb Trio will take over Tobacco Factory’s upstairs studio, with a performance on 3 April and a masterclass on 5 April. Joe Webb is an extraordinarily gifted pianist and improviser who, taking inspiration from the flavour of 1990s Britpop and adding references to his Welsh cultural roots, seamlessly blends traditional jazz with contemporary flair. His innovative approach breathes new life into classic jazz idioms, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly original. With limited capacity, tickets are now on sale and available to buy online at www.bristoljazzfestival.co.uk/events.
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