Six days of free gigs as Cheltenham Jazz Festival returns over the May Bank Holiday weekend

One of Cheltenham’s best-loved events is back after two years’ absence as Cheltenham Jazz Festival returns for six days of unmissable free gigs over the May Bank Holiday weekend. (27 April–2 May). 

The …around town programme in association with Cheltenham BID will see the finest local and national talent appear on the Free Stage in Montpellier Gardens and in Cheltenham’s streets, pubs and clubs. Featuring rising stars from the Tomorrow’s Warriors roster, Festival favourites Thrill Collins, all the way to Gloucestershire’s best school jazz bands on the Jazz It Up stage, the line-up offers musical inspiration all day and late into the night.  

2022 marks an extraordinary milestone celebrating 25 years of Cheltenham Jazz Festival. It will fuse the best of Cheltenham’s line-up over the last quarter of a century with a nod to the next 25 years.   
 

Head of Programming David Gaydon said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the community together again for one giant jazz party after two years away, celebrating the very best local and national talent across Cheltenham’s streets, clubs, and bars. There will be loads of new voices to discover around town and on our Free Stage and Discovery Space in Montpellier Gardens – sure to inspire the next generation of musicians.” 

Images feature some of the free acts taking part in the ...around town programme. Left to right - Year of the Dog, (top image) Diesel Balls, (bottom image) Swing From Paris.

Henry Westons Vintage Cider celebrates 10 years of association with the Jazz Festival with Henry Westons vintage draught cider available for the first time, and Cotswolds Distillery make their first appearance at the Festival with delicious cloudy G&Ts along with a selection of gin and whisky cocktails. A selection of the finest food traders will also be available for audience members to tuck into between gigs and as they soak up the atmosphere of the Free Stage. 

Festival-goers can enjoy late night sounds at local bars John Gordons and Harry Cook Free House, including sets from Chloe and AI and Justin Light Band. Dance the night away and enjoy pop classics with Electric Pocket, along with sets from crooner Rory McNeil and Triple Sec Septet on Saturday and Sunday. Talented musicians from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire head to Smokey Joe’s for a late-night gig. Gigs can also be heard in Harry Cook Freehouse and John Gordons, while a Festival favourite – Late Night Jam Sessions – returns to Hotel du Vin for late night revellers.  

Wander over to 106 The Promenade, for the premiere of Invisible, Real an immersive audio-visual installation and performances by saxophonist Faye MacCalman (Saturday 30 and Sunday 1 May). The piece was commissioned as part of Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s Jerwood Jazz Encounters programme and will create a subconscious dream-zone space exploring mental illness and inner worlds. 
 

Marvellous musical puddles make a splash at this year’s Festival; the magical sound installations by Mike Blow will be dotted around the site for everyone to enjoy – no wellies required. Jazz Puddles are part of the Festival’s Musical Encounters strand which brings jazz to a wide audience by putting it in unusual and quirky places. 

For families there are free hands-on sessions for all ages to enjoy in the Discovery Space, including a family sing-along with acclaimed vocalist Juliet Kelly and a beatboxing challenge with four-time UK Beatbox Champion, Grace Savage.  

The Festival has worked with Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID) to highlight Cheltenham’s food, retail and hospitality offer. Chief Executive Heath Gunter said: “It’s fantastic that Cheltenham BID can support the … around town programme and we’re looking forward to having free live jazz music in the BID zone after an absence of two years. It’s going to be an amazing 6 days of events and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the town centre during the Jazz Festival.” 

View the full programme of free events – Cheltenham Festival… around town

Cheltenham Jazz Festival - 27 April-2 May 2022 

Featuring headline acts, cutting-edge jazz and unique collaborations including Gregory Porter, Jamie Cullum, Saving Grace ft Robert Plant, James Bay, Paloma Faith, Emeli Sandé, Tom Odell, Nubya Garcia, Corinne Bailey Rae, Imelda May, Gabrielle, PP Arnold, Laura Jurf, Gary Bartz, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Nitin Sawhney and many more. 

View the full line up – Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2022 Programme

For more unmissable festivals in Cheltenham check out our helpful guide - Cheltenham 2022 - Festivals & Major Events Guide