With its international music icons, buzzing free stages, picnics and lively party atmosphere, Cheltenham Jazz Festival is one of the most anticipated events in the town’s competitively packed annual calendar.
And while 2021’s two-day digital Jazz Fest will certainly be different, with lockdown measures now easing and rule of six outdoor social gatherings permitted, as well as sunny skies hoped for, there’s a chance to gather up friends and family for a May bank holiday to remember.
SoGlos has handpicked four fun ways to celebrate 2021’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival at home…
1. Stream the Cheltenham Jazz Festival concerts
Taking place on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 May 2021, the most surefire way to not miss out on the Jazz Fest spirit this year is to actually tune into Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s two-day digital programme.
Live streamed on Cheltenham Festivals’ own YouTube channel from 3pm each day, the two-day event is hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Cerys Matthews and the festival’s artistic curator Gregory Porter, with music spanning shows from world-class and up-and-coming jazz, pop and soul performers.
For the full line-up, see Cheltenham Jazz Festival and to subscribe to Cheltenham Festivals YouTube channel, visit youtube.com.
2. Order your Jazz Festival in a Box
You could, of course, put on a picnic spread yourself, but new for 2021, Jazz Festival in a Box promises to package up the atmosphere of the Jazz Festival village in a – yes, you guessed it – box, delivered to homes across the UK just in time for the two-day celebration.
Brimming with goodies from independent brands, each parcel contains bunting; Mirabeau Pure Provence Rosé wine with matching picnic glasses; as well as tasty party nibbles and sweets to tuck into with friends and family during the weekend action.
A small box for two people costs £45; and a large box for four or more people costs £60. And included in both is a built-in £5 donation to Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Plus, one box will contain a golden ticket giving the lucky recipient a pair of tickets for a headline act and a VIP backstage experience for two at the 25th Cheltenham Jazz Festival in 2022.
3. Give the Jazz Festival Spotify playlist a listen
If you simply cannot wait for the main event, Cheltenham Festivals has put together a dedicated Spotify playlist to give listeners a taste of the tantalising music to come.
It features songs from Gregory Porter’s album All Rise, as well as tracks from Marisha Wallace and breakthrough artist Yelfris Valdes too. Give it a listen…
Search ‘Cheltenham Jazz festival 2021’ in the Spotify app to listen.
4. Play along with your own instruments
If you don’t have a double bass or saxophone lying around, but you fancy playing along with the pros, Cheltenham Festivals is creating handy tutorial videos which show you how to make your own jazz instruments at home from everyday items!
A fun idea to while away an afternoon with the kids – or crafty and creative friends. First in the series is how to make a xylophone. With a chance to share your creations on social media using the hashtag #TheDIYJazzBand!
See Cheltenham Jazz Festival or for more information.
