Cheltenham Jazz Festival – Cheltenham, England 2026

Overview

Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 is a cornerstone of the UK’s jazz calendar, returning for its 24th edition as a vibrant six-day celebration of the genre’s diversity, blending international icons, emerging talents, and innovative collaborations in the elegant spa town of Cheltenham. Produced by the not-for-profit Cheltenham Festivals charity (No. 251765), it attracts over 20,000 music lovers annually, fostering a mission to spark curiosity, connect communities, and inspire change through inclusive cultural experiences that address societal needs like mental health and music equity.

Set against the backdrop of Cheltenham’s Georgian architecture and lush gardens, the festival features a curated program of over 100 events, from intimate club sets to explosive big band performances, spanning traditional swing, contemporary fusion, Latin grooves, and avant-garde explorations. With a focus on accessibility and youth engagement— including free around-town music and the Access to Music Conference—it’s a joyful hub for jazz aficionados, families, and newcomers, emphasizing discovery and the transformative power of live improvisation.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances: Over 100 jazz-centric events across Big Top stages, arena sets, and venue gigs, showcasing genres from bebop to electronica-infused jazz; past editions highlighted stars like Roger Daltrey, Lulu, Tom Walker, and Mac DeMarco, with 2026 poised for similar boundary-pushing lineups announced in early 2026.
• Special Traditions or Features: The Festival Village in Montpellier Gardens as a central hub with a Big Top, Jazz Arena, food/drink markets, and family zones; annual free “around town” program with 70+ emerging local acts at pop-up spots; Access to Music Conference uniting industry voices on inclusivity and accessibility.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors: Interactive workshops on improvisation and instrument mastery; youth stages for under-18 performers; collaborations with BBC Radio 3 for live broadcasts; evening jam sessions at historic pubs; and a dedicated app for schedules, artist spotlights, and personalized itineraries.
• About This Event: An inclusive, charity-driven festival open to all ages (family-friendly daytime, 18+ evenings), championing jazz’s evolution while supporting emerging British and international artists; it’s a community catalyst with free elements ensuring broad access. See Official Site

Why Attend

Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 beckons with its electric fusion of timeless swing and cutting-edge improvisation, offering an intimate escape into jazz’s soul amid Cheltenham’s refined Regency splendor—perfect for deepening your appreciation or igniting a lifelong passion. Wander from sunlit garden sets to candlelit club nights, discovering hidden gems alongside global greats, all while soaking in the town’s literary cafes and rolling Cotswold views for a holistic cultural immersion.

As a beacon for innovation and equity, the festival transcends music by tackling real-world issues through its Access Conference and free programs, creating ripple effects of inspiration and connection. Whether jamming with locals, attending family workshops, or debating riffs over craft gins, you’ll leave enriched, part of a legacy that has shaped UK jazz for decades, fostering joy and curiosity in every note.

Date and Duration

• Dates: April 29 – May 4, 2026
• Duration: 6 days

Venue and Location

• City: Cheltenham, England
• Main Venue: Festival Village, Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, GL50 3BD, United Kingdom (Central hub with Big Top, Jazz Arena, and markets)
• Notable Areas: Parabola Arts Centre for chamber jazz; Cheltenham Town Hall for orchestral sets; The Daffodil for intimate dinners-with-music
• Additional Venues: Various town spots for free around-town gigs; Pittville Pump Room for classical crossovers; Everyman Theatre for fusion shows
• Exact Address: Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, GL50 3BD

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Online via cheltenhamfestivals.org (24/7, Visa/Mastercard only); phone Box Office +44 (0)1242 850270 (Mon-Fri 9 AM–5 PM); on-site at Festival Village during event; memberships for priority booking and discounts
• Admission Type: Paid for main events; many free around-town and youth sessions; family concessions available
• Ticket Pricing (USD): Individual tickets $25–$85 (based on 2025; e.g., Big Top $65–$85, club sets $25–$45); day passes ~$50–$70; full festival bundles $200–$300; under-18s half-price
• Special Seating or VIP Options: VIP packages with lounge access, reserved seating, and meet-and-greets (~$100+ add-on); accessible viewing platforms; group rates (10+ at 15% off)
• Price Range: $25–$85 (per event); $200–$300 (festival pass)

Booking with Euro Travelo

Planning to enjoy this music festival without the stress? Euro Travelo can help you book tickets, organize travel, and handle your entire trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a vibrant music festival, live concert, or cultural celebration, our team ensures a smooth experience for music lovers across Europe.

Contact Euro Travelo today to secure your festival tickets and travel arrangements.

Contact Information

• Email: boxoffice@cheltenhamfestivals.org (tickets and inquiries)
• Phone: +44 (0)1242 850270 (Box Office, Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM)
• Website: https://cheltenhamfestivals.org/jazz-festival
• Social Media: @cheltfestivals (Instagram, Twitter, 25K+ followers); Cheltenham Festivals (Facebook, YouTube, TikTok)
• Key Staff: Not specified; general team via boxoffice@cheltenhamfestivals.org
• Press/Volunteers: press@cheltenhamfestivals.org (media); volunteers@cheltenhamfestivals.org (roles during festival)
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support; address: 53–57 Rodney Road, Cheltenham, GL50 1HX

Getting There

• Nearest Airports: Birmingham (BHX, 50 miles, 50-min drive); Bristol (BRS, 55 miles, 1-hr drive); London Heathrow (LHR, 90 miles, 1.5-hr drive)
• Public Transport: Trains to Cheltenham Spa Station (from London Paddington ~2 hrs, £40–£80 return); local buses #10/11 to Montpellier (5 mins); festival shuttles from station during event
• Parking: Montpellier multi-story (£8–£12/day, 500 spaces); Blue Badge free; coach parking at GL50 3BD
• Taxi: Local firms like 911 Taxis (+44 1242 250250, ~£10–£15 station-to-venue); Uber available
• Sat Nav: GL50 3BD (Montpellier Gardens)

Accommodation Options

• City Hotels: Queens Hotel Cheltenham (4-star, central, £120–£220/night, spa facilities); Holiday Inn Express (£80–£140/night, family rooms)
• Boutique Stays: No 131 (Regency charm, £100–£180/night, near gardens); Airbnbs in Montpellier (£70–£150/night)
• Hostels/B&Bs: Cotswold View B&B (£50–£90/night, cozy); YHA Cotswolds (5 miles, £30–£60/night)
• Camping: Cheltenham Racecourse site (2 miles, £25–£45/night, shuttles); Springbank Fields (£20–£40/night)
• Note: Book by March for festival rates; 70% within 10-min walk; partners offer jazz-themed packages with tickets

Reviews

• Unmissable jazz immersion—Big Top under stars was magical, discovered brilliant new acts!
• Inclusive vibe with free town gigs; family loved the workshops, Cheltenham’s charm amplified the music.
• World-class curation in a cozy town—Lulu’s set was electric, can’t wait for 2026 headliners!