Cheltenham Jazz Festival: Lineup announced

It’s taken 30 years, but 2026 will be the year I make it down to the Cheltenham Jazz Festival to celebrate their significant anniversary: check out the line-up for 29 April to 4 May. 

Corinne Bailey Rae @Ulrike Rindermann

Today marks the launch of the names booked to appear, with Corinne Bailey Rae at the forefront as the Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s new Guest Curator for three years. An extraordinary voice herself (she’ll be performing her own headline show), she has helped select a star-studded line-up from across jazz, soul and blues including Lady Blackbird, Joshua Redman, Emma-Jean Thackray, Bill Frisell, Camilla George, Georgia Cécile, Makaya McCraven, Emma Rawicz, Theon Cross and Courtney Pine.

Since 1926 was a significant year in jazz, it’s only right that 100 years since the birth of Miles Davis, Guy Barker (one of the UK's finest trumpeters and composers) will bring a special orchestral tribute from his own Big Band and the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Alongside multi award-winner Corinne Bailey Rae and some big names across international music, Cheltenham Jazz Festival is steadfastly focused on future voices.

As Rae celebrates the 20th anniversary of her debut, self-titled album, her top picks for the Festival are Joss Stone, Lady Blackbird, Gotts Street Park, Ladies of Midnight Blue, Emma Jean-Thackray and Tinariwen. She said: "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.”

I’m delighted that previous Harmonious World guest, saxist and vocalist Kim Cypher will be joining me again on the podcast to talk about her music and what she’ll be bringing to Cheltenham.

Meanwhile, through Musicate, the Festival’s flagship education programme, the charity brings new and unfamiliar genres of music into schools throughout the year, inspiring pupils and teachers through hands-on and inclusive musical experiences.

Ian George, Head of Programming for the Jazz Festival and co-CEO of parent charity Cheltenham Festivals: “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.”

Tickets go on sale on 4 March at cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz