Cheltenham Jazz Festival has announced the lineup for its 30th anniversary year – and there's a host of famous names on the bill.
Taking place from Wednesday 29 April until Monday 4 May 2026, headliners include Jessie J making her Cheltenham Jazz Festival debut and returning favourites Jack Savoretti, Van Morrison, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra and James Morrison; with some of the biggest names in contemporary jazz, including Joshua Redman, Bill Frisell, Eyvind Kangm Makaya McCraven, Courtney Pine, Georgia Cécile and Gentleman's Dub Club on the lineup, too.
The newly named DEYA Arena has increased capacity and will see performances from Roberto Fonseca, DJ Yoda and local saxophonist Kim Cypher; while the Parabola Arts Centre hosts an exciting programme of emerging artists.
The event is also marking Miles Davis's centenary with a special orchestral tribute from the Guy Barker Big Band and BBC Concert Orchestra, featuring guest performers and exclusive arrangements of Miles' enduring music.
Double Grammy-award-winner, Corinne Bailey Rae, has been appointed guest curator for 2026 to 2028 – taking over from Gregory Porter – bringing a series of specially commissioned performances to the festival, with her top picks for 2026 including Joss Stone, Lady Blackbird, Gotts Street Park, Ladies of Midnight Blue, Emma Jean-Thackray and Tinariwen.
Cheltenham Festivals co-CEO and head of programming at the Jazz Festival, Ian George, said: 'Reaching 30 years is a major milestone for Cheltenham Jazz Festival. This anniversary programme reflects everything the festival has always stood for – world-class artists, boundary-pushing jazz and a platform for the next generation.
'We’re delighted to have appointed the brilliant Corinne Bailey Rae as our new guest curator and look forward to our collaboration over the next three years.'
Corinne Bailey Rae added: 'I’m thrilled to be joining Cheltenham Jazz Festival as guest curator in its 30th year and to be helping shape its artistic journey over the next three years.
'Jazz is such an important part of my life and learning journey and I’m excited to celebrate its incredible legacy as part of the Cheltenham family, exploring new ideas and future collaborations while also bringing new voices to the forefront.'
Tickets for Cheltenham Jazz Festival go on general sale on Wednesday 4 March 2026 via the Cheltenham Festivals website.
