Durham Jazz Festival runs from Friday, 23rd to Sunday, 25th October. Expect a vibrant programme which will bring multiple Durham City venues alive with the sounds of renowned jazz artists.
Durham Jazz Festival 2026 takes place from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October, filling venues across Durham with melody, rhythm and improvisation. Across three days, the festival celebrates the music and performance of North East and national jazz artists, bringing together established names and the next generation talent shaping the scene.
Our programme is designed to appeal to all music lovers, celebrating the greats of jazz and soul, whilst also showcasing exciting new music across a broad spectrum of musical styles.
The programme spans intimate club-style shows, bold headline performances at Gala Theatre and Redhills Durham Miner’s Hall, as well as pop-up gigs in bars and restaurants. Carefully scheduled events make it easy to move between venues, catch multiple shows, and take advantage of multi-show discounts.
Alongside live performances, the festival supports learning, collaboration and discovery through workshops and masterclasses connecting emerging musicians with established professionals. With an inclusive, forward-looking programme and growing partnerships across the city, Durham Jazz Festival is staking its place as a key fixture in Durham’s cultural calendar and the national jazz landscape.
The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars are the ‘house’ band at Ronnie Scott’s and have been playing at the club since 2007. Now, they’re heading to Durham. The quintet features a vocalist and a saxophonist alongside a trio comprising of Piano, Bass and Drums. The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars play regularly at the famous club and tour the UK with their Theatre shows. They also appear on the international stage in festivals and ‘Pop Up’ clubs, sometimes on their own or as a ‘backing’ band for stars such as Rick Astley, Curtis Stigers, Gabrielle, Lisa Stansfield, Vanessa Haynes, Clare Martin and Ian Shaw.
Vintage swing meets Gypsy jazz in a high energy celebration of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli. Expect dazzling violin, driving rhythm and irresistible 1930s Parisian flair.
World class musicians from London’s iconic jazz club bring the sound of Soho to Durham. Expect big tunes, virtuoso solos and the unmistakable buzz of a true jazz institution.
A thrilling meeting of velvet vocals and full throttle big band swing. Expect classic crooner charm, punchy brass and a show packed with timeless standards.
These highly established players deliver top-drawer performance, with deep roots in improvisation, and extraordinarily high-quality musicianship that will be a surprise to no one who knows the work of these artists as individuals.
Bold, modern jazz led by one of the North East’s most exciting pianists. Expect soaring improvisation, tight interplay and fresh, contemporary energy.
Discover the musicians shaping the sound of Durham Jazz Festival — from celebrated artists and national names to exciting new voices emerging from the North East, all bringing their own style, energy and creativity to the city this October.
Friday
Ronnie Scott's All Stars
Marvin M and Strictly SBB
Saturday
Sunday
Finn Keeble Group
Durham Jazz Festival is made possible with the help of our sponsors and supporters, in particular our headline sponsor Swinburne Maddison LLP – championing culture, creativity and live music in the city. If you’d like more information on how to become a sponsor, please get in touch.
Keep an eye on our social channels for programme updates, new artist announcements and surprise pop-up gigs.
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