Welcome to the HSBC Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2008!

We have jazz legends and young guns, club nights and jazz standards, big bands and soloists, from funk to fusion, Latin to soul, hip-hop and... the experience is yours to choose!

The incomparable Eartha Kitt drops by for her only UK festival appearance. Cleo Laine and John Dankworth celebrate their 80th birthdays with some classic jazz standards. Jools Holland front woman Ruby Turner offers her inimitable signature of soul and when you’re ready to groove, Imelda May dares you to resist.

Take a journey with Courtney Pine inspired by the virtuoso Sidney Bechet, then discover the legends of the future with our Jerwood Jazz Generation featuring Soweto Kinch, saxophone ace Iain Ballamy and post-punk band leader Pete Wareham.

Exclusive UK performances by guitar artist Bill Frisell and drum legend Jack DeJohnette are not to be missed. Van Morrison, with his new album, will leave you on a blues induced high. Coming down, opt for a little Billie Holiday performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra or the blissful intimacy of Gwyneth Herbert.

Funkster Maceo Parker shakes the chandeliers at the Town Hall with special guests Dennis Rollins, while star of the club scene Gilles Peterson brings Jose James, Elan Mehler and Tawiah to town. If you can dance the distance Mr Scruff 'keeps it unreal' for 270 minutes!

If that isn’t enough, ex-Buena Vista frontman Roberto Fonseca serves up his own brand of Cuban groove and DJ Nicola Conte joins the BBC Big Band for Bossa Nova with a contemporary twist.

With free music at the Budvar Jazz Marquee over the Bank Holiday weekend, eclectic Fringe events, Sunday's Family Breakfast show, schools' concerts and masterclasses, there really is something for everyone.

Where will you be?

“…an event that now rivals London’s for the position of leading UK jazz festival.” The Independent

“I’m at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. The music is fabulous, the crowds are great and I am having a ball.” Michael Parkinson

Jazz Fringe 2008

Find out about the 2008 Jazz Fringe Festival.

Jerwood Jazz Generation

As always we are delighted to welcome many of the brilliant young musicians supported by the Jerwood Charitable Foundation - look out for the Jerwood Jazz Generation Events - www.jerwoodjazzgeneration.org.uk.

BBC

Our ongoing relationship with BBC Radio 2 means that the BBC Concert Orchestra and the BBC Big Band will once again be participating at the Festival. Watch this space for further details…