Enjoy five days of unmissable free gigs at Cheltenham Jazz Festival

Party late into the night as Cheltenham Jazz Festival takes over the town’s bars, pubs and local spots for five days of unmissable free gigs over the May bank holiday weekend (27 April–1 May).

The '…around town' programme, in association with Cheltenham BID, will see the finest local and national talent appear across Cheltenham’s streets and pubs. Featuring rising stars ranging from vocalist and bassist Amy Gadiaga and nu-soul guitarist and singer Rue, to Sex Education’s Year of the Dog and beatboxer SK Shlomo, the line-up offers musical inspiration all day and late into the night.

Head of Programming David Gaydon said: “We’re so excited to introduce and bring together the very best up-and-coming talent to our local community for one big jazz party. There’s plenty to get people up and dancing throughout the Bank Holiday weekend as we take over Cheltenham’s streets, clubs and bars. With everything from hip-hop and indo-jazz to funk and soul, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy."

Late-night revellers can enjoy gigs at local bars The Alchemist and Sober Parrot, while musicians from the Birmingham Conservatoire kick off Sunday evening at the Brewery Courtyard. Gigs can also be heard in the Frog & Fiddle, Bottle of Sauce and John Gordons. Plus Late Night Jam Sessions returns to Hotel du Vin from 10pm till late.

Festival goers can also explore the centuries-old tradition of bellringing in Montpellier Woods as part of Waves II. Created by artist and musician Andrew Woodhead, the installation explores the powerful combination of music and physics using eight swinging pendulums (29 April-1 May). The piece was commissioned as part of Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s Jerwood Jazz Encounters programme.

Talented young musicians from 12 secondary schools across Gloucestershire, as well as the county’s youth and adult jazz bands, will head to the Free Stage in Montpellier Gardens to share their love of jazz at Jazz It Up, an annual highlight for Cheltenham Jazz Festival. The performances are just a small part of the Festival’s year-round outreach programmes, bringing together local schools from across the country in a showcase of the very best and brightest young talent.

A selection of the finest food traders will provide fare for audience members to tuck into between gigs and as they soak up the atmosphere of the Free Stage, which will feature vendors including Ank Marvin, Brisket Bros, and Cheltenham-favourite Woozy Pig. Cheltenham is home to some of the best cafes, restaurants and bars in the county so there are also plenty of places to visit while enjoying the free on-street gigs throughout town.

They also worked with Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID) to highlight Cheltenham’s food, retail and hospitality offer. Chief Executive Heath Gunter said: “We are thrilled to announce our support for the upcoming ‘...around town’ programme and the inclusion of free live jazz music in the BID zone. This initiative is set to drive footfall to our businesses, and we are excited to welcome visitors to the town centre for what promises to be an amazing festival. Cheltenham BID remains committed to supporting local businesses and enhancing the town centre experience for all.”

Louise Carles, Co-Programmer of Cheltenham Jazz Festival's '…around town' programme, said: “Cheltenham Festivals is a charity that exists to inspire and connect people, and this is such a great opportunity to bring new voices into jazz. We’re committed to achieving ever-great diversity –this year, more than sixty per cent of our ‘..around town’ gigs showcase at least one woman and at least one person of colour. Helping make this change matters to us.

“We can’t wait to see all the artists bring the streets of Cheltenham to life!”