Cheltenham Jazz Festival… around town free gigs

Cheltenham Jazz Festival returns to The Festival Town 1 – 6 May. Whether you're completely new to jazz music or an aficionado, there are ticketed and free events for everyone to experience and enjoy during the May bank holiday weekend.  

In addition to the Free Music Stage in Montpellier Gardens, the popular ...around town free programme is back with five fantastic days of free gigs featuring local and national artists performing in pubs, clubs and vibrant spaces around Cheltenham with the support of Cheltenham BID.

From Thursday 2 May to Monday 6 May, music enthusiasts can explore the free music events at various venues including The Wilson, The Brewery Quarter, Tailors, John Lewis and many more!

We have highlighted some performances below, including where to watch, so you don’t miss out!

Thursday 2^nd May - Belle Noir, Ben Dwyer Xperiment and Disco Manifest will take over the Free Stage in Montpellier Gardens. Music gigs at other venues include Belle Acoustique at The Botanist, Fussie at Tailors and Stolen Chocolates at The Urban Fox.

Friday 3^rd May - Issy Winstanley, Immi Dash and GS Collective will perform on the Free Stage. Andrew Duncan Sextet will perform at both The Nook on Five and the Free Stage. The Other Way will perform at both The Botanist and the Free Stage. Watch YEAH YOU + support at The Wilson. Performing at the free stage and Queens Hotel is No Big Deal.

Saturday 4^th May - Performing at the free stage and Montpellier Courtyard is Thrill Collins. You can watch The GAB Trio at Montpellier Wine Bar and the Free Stage. Blossom Caldarone, Beyond the Blue and many more acts will fill the free stage throughout the day with DJ Dan Cooper continuing the jazz party from 9pm.

The Discovery Space at the Jazz Festival Village will host future upcoming talent with The Music Works Takeover. Regent Arcade will host 52s and Tenth Avenue Band. Rock Choir, Sasha and Bryony will perform at John Lewis. The Brewery Quarter will host George & Mariella and Refuge. You can watch more live acts throughout the day at Tailors, The Wilson, John Gordons and For the Saints.

Sunday 5^th May – Jazz It Up, Katharine Timoney, Ni Maxine and more acts will light up the Free Stage. The Brewery Quarter will host Emma and Rosie and Lickshot. The Regent Arcade will see performances from Cheltenham Singers and Bed Head. John Lewis will host The Tonics and Rock Choir. As well as more acts performing at Montpellier Courtyard, John Gordons, Queens Hotel and The Bottle of Sauce.

Monday 6^th May – From 10am-1pm at the Free Stage is Jazz It Up: Gloucestershire Jazz Live and enjoy Jazz ensemble, big band and combo-style playing from three county community groups Jazz2Go, GYJA and GYJO. Also performing at the Free Stage is Homestead, Immy Odon, Joanna Cooke, Dub Catalyst and Good Vibes Only Soundsystem.

The Bottle of Sauce and The Frog and Fiddle will host performances from multiple artists and groups throughout the evening across the weekend.

Hotel du Vin will keep the jazz vibes going as they host Late Night Jam Sessions from 11pm until late over the weekend where you can expect some surprise collaborations and a famous face or two!

View the full programme of free ...around town events on the online Cheltenham Jazz Festival programme (pages 41 - 51).

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Plan your visit with our helpful guide - Places to eat near Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

For more unmissable festivals in Cheltenham check out - Cheltenham Festivals & Major Events Guide