Programmers' Picks

Look out for this icon as we’ve made sure to hand-pick some events not to be missed at this year’s Festival. 

Thursday 2 May

Haptic Dancefloor

11am - 5pm, Discovery Space

Beat Blocks bring their incredible haptic dancefloor to the Festival. Featuring performances from Jack of The Suburbs, Tom Spice, Fussie, Sasha & Bryony, Cherrysmoke and Bitter Sweet.

Belle Noir

orange prg

4.30 - 5.30pm, Free Stage

The stunning harmonies of this vocal group are an alchemy of jazz, soul, blues and pop. Expect to be transported to the ambiance of a speakeasy with a mix of re-imagined covers, inspired by the likes of Melody Gardot, Jamie Cullum and Blossom Dearie.

Ben Dwyer Xperiment

5.45 - 6.45pm, Free Stage

Inspired by West African and Afro-Cuban rhythms, the Ben Dwyer Xperiment have a sound that’s unmistakably fresh and unique, combining the delicate technicalities of jazz with funk, soul, and hip-hop.

Disco Manifest

7 - 8pm, Free Stage

Bringing disco, funk, and soul-jazz to the Free Stage, this Brummy-based, 12-piece band reimagine disco hits with jazz-infused arrangements, inspired by artists Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock and Louis Cole.

Belle Acoustique

7.30 - 8.30pm, The Botanist

Belle Acoustique bring together vocals, guitar and double bass to cover jazz, soul, blues and funk, from old school to modern day. Influences include Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson and Scary Pockets.

Fussie

9 - 10pm, Tailors

A four-piece alternative R&B/soul ensemble, drawing inspiration from hip-hop, soul, electronic, and indie. Together they create a distinct blend of up and down tempo melodies, rich in synths, vocal harmonies and smooth guitar.

Stolen Chocolates

9 - 10pm, The Urban Fox

Local favourites Stolen Chocolates combine jazz, soul and blues with a bit of pop and funk thrown in the mix.

Belle Noir

Belle Noir

Ben Dwyer Experiment

Ben Dwyer Experiment

Issy Winstanley

Issy Winstanley

Friday 3 May

Issy Winstanley

1.30 - 2.30pm, Free Stage

Inspired by the likes of Joni Mitchell and Fleetwood Mac, expect emotional reflection and ear-worm hooks you can’t get out of your head from singer-songwriter, Issy Winstanley.

The Other Way

2.45 - 3.45pm, Free Stage

8 - 9pm, The Botanist

The Other Way play ecological soul-jazz music for dancing into the void, with echoes of Wayne Shorter and Robert Glasper, featuring trumpet and bird sound.

Andrew Duncan Sextet

4 - 5pm, Free Stage

6.30 - 7.30pm, The Nook

From folk-inspired melodies to Radiohead and Chopin influences, this performance features original music from BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year semi-finalist, Andrew Duncan, and his sextet.

No Big Deal

5.15 - 6.15pm, Free Stage

9 - 10pm, Queens Hotel

An instrumental trio (bass, drums, piano) playing jazz/funk/latin music, inspired by Herbie Hancock, Radiohead, Vulfpeck, J Dilla and more.

Immi Dash

6.30 - 7.30pm, Free Stage

With liquified melodies, smoky harmony stacks and atmospheric beats, R&B artist and singer songwriter Immi Dash is one to watch.

YEAH YOU + Support

7pm till late, The Wilson

YEAH YOU, the renowned father-daughter duo, fresh off their tour with Wolf Eyes. With support from DBH Mano, Dan Cooper, Tom Cassidy, and Will Cooper (bagpipes).

GS Collective

red prog

7.45 - 8.30pm, Free Stage 

Fifteen of Gloucestershire’s young emerging artists bring their Jazz-Grime collective to Cheltenham, featuring musical collabs and cross-genre sounds.

Supported by Tomorrow’s Warriors, The Music Works and Jazz Stroud

TABLE4ONE

8 - 8.45pm, The Frog & Fiddle

TABLE4ONE is an indie, alternative ensemble of musicians focused on collaboration and fusion of genre. The group take influence from artists Cage The Elephant, The Strokes and more.

Giulia Marro Quartet

8 - 9pm, Bottle of Sauce

This drumless jazz quartet bring traditional jazz to the forefront, influenced by Nat King Cole, Barney Bigard, Teddy Wilson and Lester Young.

DJ Fade

8.45 - 10pm, Free Stage

DJ Fade brings an electric set to the Free Stage packed full of jazz hits, soul, funk and hip-hop.

Sophie & The Sticks

9 - 9.45pm, Frog and Fiddle

Eclectic band Sophie & The Sticks offer a fresh blend of genres and a soulful, captivating experience. The trio take inspiration from Hiatus Kaiyote, Arctic Monkeys and William the Conqueror.

Scratchy Beard

9.30 - 10.30pm, Bottle of Sauce

Folk-meets-swing in this fun and intoxicating montage of trans-European roots music. This set combines anglo-celtic storytelling with Gypsy jazz and a pinch of bluesy roots.

Fabulous Red Diesel

10 - 11pm, Frog and Fiddle

Quirky, original and unashamedly hooky, feel good with sonic sounds from this bardic-indie jazz quartet.

Late Night Jam Sessions

11pm - late, Hotel du Vin

The party carries on late into the night at Hotel du Vin’s jam sessions. Expect some surprise collaborations and a famous face or two, backed by a house band.

TABLE4ONE

TABLE4ONE

DJ Fade

DJ Fade

Scratchy Beard

Scratchy Beard

Saturday 4 May

Jazz It Up

10am - 1.30pm, Free Stage

Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s annual highlight where school and county jazz bands perform at the heart of the Festival.

52s

1 - 1.45pm, Regent Arcade

This new and upcoming indie/rock band are influenced by a wide range of genres from heavy metal to pop.

Sasha and Bryony

1 - 1.45pm, John Lewis

Sasha and Bryony are an acoustic duo based in Cheltenham. They are a new, independent female group with a fresh and soulful sound.

Bex Kite

1.15 - 2pm, Montpellier Courtyard

Bex Kite specialises in guitar-led indie dream-pop. Her immersive and yearnful melodies are reminiscent of 90s post-punk groups and modern indie darlings.

George & Mariella

1.15 - 2pm, The Brewery Quarter

An alternative/indie sound with endless rhythmic and meditative possibilities, harmonising vocals and chilled instrumentals.

Emmy Luda and James Taylor

purp prog

2 - 2.45pm, Free Stage

Jam along to jazz-pop with singer Emmy Luda and James Taylor on keys. Inspirations include JP Saxe, Olivia Dean and Julia Michaels.

Refuge

2.30 - 3.30pm, The Brewery Quarter

Refuge play a mix of sax-led, ska-influenced indie classics. The band spin a unique take on covers that rotate between sax, vocals and guitar.

Sasha and Bryony

Sasha and Bryony

Emmy Luda and James Taylor

Emmy Luda and James Taylor

Tenth Avenue Band

Tenth Avenue Band

Rock Choir

2.30 - 3.15pm, John Lewis

A contemporary choir singing an eclectic mix of popular tunes from the 50s to present. Join for a feel good, musical journey.

Tenth Avenue Band

2.30 - 3.15pm, Regent Arcade

5.15 - 6.15pm, Free Stage

Having performed all around Europe, Newcastle’s Tenth Avenue Band return to the Festival this year with their colourful exploration of jazz, ska reggae and pop.

Thrill Collins

2.30 - 3.30pm, Montpellier Courtyard

7.45 - 8.45pm, Free Stage

Thrill Collins are a UK-based skiffle-pop trio who have a habit of rearranging the most epic pop songs of all time into spectacular medley marathons.

Beyond the Blue

3 - 3.45pm, Free Stage

Exciting up-and-coming seven piece London-based jazz band that draws influence from a wide range of genres: UK dance music, jazz and classical music.

The GAB Trio

4 - 5pm, Free Stage

9 - 10pm, Montpellier Wine Bar

A guitar and percussion trio who blend the boundaries of jazz, sambo, tango and flamenco to produce Brazilian-infused tunes and re-worked pop numbers.

Pebble Daisy

5.30 - 6pm, Discovery Space

Singer-songwriter creating waves in Gloucestershire with bubble grunge/alternative rock. Influenced by Wolf Alice, Phoebe Bridgers and Mazzy Star.

Namvula

5.30 - 6.30pm, For the Saints

Critically-acclaimed Zambian-Scottish singer and songwriter Namvula weaves together a global soundscape that takes inspiration from the deep grooves of Africa, the lyrical sensibility of folk-pop, and the improvisational freedom of jazz.

T.Santana

6.05 - 6.35pm, Discovery Space

This rapper and spoken word artist will take you on a captivating musical journey from drill right through to ethereal soundscapes.

Blossom Caldarone

6.30 - 7.30pm, Free Stage

Inspired by songwriter greats including The Carpenters and Carole King, Blossom Caldarone brings a unique sound, featuring piano, cello and double bass.

Muna Moné

6.45 - 7.15pm, Discovery Space

British-Nigerian artist Muna Moné. blends genres seamlessly, drawing inspiration from the sounds and societal themes of her heritage.

Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra

7 - 8pm, The Wilson

Taste different flavours of jazz and beyond with the Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra as they experiment with jazz inspired, improvised music.

t.e.d.

7.25 - 8pm, Discovery Space

t.e.d. blends simple guitar lines and synths, creating a unique sound with vulnerable lyrics. influenced by Daniel Ceasar and Beabadoobe.

Supported by The Music Works

Dom Franks Presents...

purp prog

7.30 - 8.30pm, John Gordans

Saxophonist and composer Dom Franks leads a cutting-edge jazz trio including guitarist Aiden Pope. Featuring special guest bassist David Flanagan.

Oui Legionnaires

8 - 8.45pm, Frog and Fiddle

Cheltenham band Oui Legionnaires describe themselves as math-punk puzzle pop.

Collidescope

8 - 9pm, Tailors

This Birmingham-based jazz-quartet explore fluidity and shift conventional roles within the full ensemble between duos, trios, and solo passages, resulting in a fresh, engaging, and dynamic set.

Namvula

Namvula

Blossom Caldarone

Blossom Caldarone

Collidescope

Collidescope

Bandra Hearsal

8 - 9pm, Bottle of Sauce

This six-piece jazz fusion band incorporate elements of funk, soul and neo-soul inspired by Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Steely Dan and more.

Lickshot

9 - 9.45pm, Frog and Fiddle

Four mates playing the sounds of their youth. Nu-metal and SKA blended with elements of hip hop and grime.

DJ Dan Cooper

9 - 10pm, Free Stage

Local legend DJ Dan Cooper promises to get us dancing with an eclectic set, ranging from jazz to jungle.

Mulholland Jive

9.30 - 10.30pm, Bottle of Sauce

Mulholland Jive is a vibrant nine-piece from Cambridge. They deliver a dynamic performance of lively instrumental funk-jazz-rock, akin to the piano-driven energy of GoGo Penguin and the big band sound of Snarky Puppy.

Death Is A Girl

10 - 11pm, Frog and Fiddle

A groove rock outfit bringing the party to Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Their influences include Prince, Rick James and The Mars Volta.

Late Night Jam Sessions

11pm - late, Hotel du Vin

The party carries on late into the night at Hotel du Vin’s jam sessions. Expect some surprise collaborations and a famous face or two, backed by a house band.

Mulholland Jive

Mulholland Jive

Death Is A Girl

Death Is A Girl

Jazz It Up

Jazz It Up

Sunday 5 May

Jazz It Up

10am - 1.30pm, Free Stage

Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s annual highlight where school and county jazz bands perform at the heart of the Festival.

Bed Head

1 - 1.45pm, Regent Arcade

United by their love for RnB, classic rock, indie rock, jazz, funk, and soul, this band is formed by students from the University of Gloucestershire.

Emma and Rosie

1.30 - 2.15pm, The Brewery Quarter

Emma and Rosie are an indie pop duo based in Cheltenham. The pair came together to form a creative partnership.

The Flatliners

1.30 - 2.30pm, Montpellier Courtyard

Bringing a fresh and funky twist to the indie pop scene, The Flatliners bring showmanship and catchy hooks.

The Tonics

1.30 - 2.15pm, John Lewis

Writing music influenced by new wave, 60s pop and romantic poetry, The Tonics lace their sound with a healthy dose of pop sensibility.

Katharine Timoney

2 - 2.45pm, Free Stage

Singer-songwriter Katharine Timoney is a UK rising star who combines elements or vocal jazz with retro soul.

Cheltenham Singers

2.30 - 3.15pm, Regent Arcade

This community choir perform a range of songs to cater to a wide variety of musical tastes.

Lickshot

2.30 - 3.30pm, The Brewery Quarter

Four mates playing the sounds of their youth. Nu-metal and SKA blended with elements of hip hop and grime.

Emmy Luda and James Taylor

2.30 - 3.30pm, Montpellier Courtyard

Jam along to jazz-pop with singer Emmy Luda and James Taylor on keys. Inspirations include JP Saxe, Olivia Dean and Julia Michaels.

Tomorrow’s Warriors Youth Ensemble

orange prg

3 - 4pm, Free Stage

One of Tomorrow’s Warriors flagship development groups, mentored by Denys Baptiste. With influences ranging from bebop and hard bop to spiritual jazz and fusion, expect a varied and dynamic set from this exceptionally talented sextet.

Supported by Tomorrow’s Warriors

The Flatliners

The Flatliners

The Tonics

The Tonics

Tomorrow's Warriors Youth Ensemble

Tomorrow's Warriors Youth Ensemble

Rock Choir

3.30 - 4.15pm, John Lewis

A contemporary choir singing an eclectic mix of popular tunes from the 50s to present. Join for a feel good, musical journey.

Ni Maxine

orange prg

4.15 - 5.15pm, Free Stage

Through powerful vocals influenced by neo-soul and gospel, singer Ni Maxine tells the story of the black-British working class experience through her powerful and political lyricism.

GYJO Combo

5 - 6pm, Discovery Space

Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra (GYJO) is the prime county big band for youth jazz musicians who perform a diverse range of music.

Beatroot

5.30 - 6.30pm, Free Stage

Hailing from Portsmouth, this nine-piece instrumental funk band play original songs across funk, jazz, rock and more.

DJ Sam Atlantis

6.45 - 8.30pm, Free Stage

A musical journey starting from jazz favourites to discovering new sounds with DJ Sam Atlantis.

Dom Franks Presents…

7.30 - 8.30pm, John Gordans

Prize-winning Saxophonist Dom Franks leads a trio featuring Alex Steele on keyboards and a selection of young, up-and-coming jazz soloists.

WILD Card

7.15 - 8.15pm, Bottle of Sauce

Head to Bottle of Sauce for WILD Card’s signature blend of afro/samba, reworked pop tunes and hard bop numbers.

Late Night Juice

9 - 10pm, Queens Hotel

With their funk and soul sound, jazz band Late Night Juice cover crowd pleasers to get you up and grooving, including Superstition, Freedom and Crazy.

The Hot Club of Jupiter

9.15 - 10.15pm, Bottle of Sauce

Expect foot stomping swing classics, Gypsy swing, hot jazz and New Orlean grooves from The Hot Club of Jupiter.

Late Night Jam Sessions

11pm - late, Hotel du Vin

The party carries on late into the night at Hotel du Vin’s jam sessions. Expect some surprise collaborations and a famous face or two, backed by a house band.

Monday 6 May

Jazz It Up: Gloucestershire Jazz Live

10am - 1pm, Free Stage

Enjoy Jazz ensemble, big band and combo-style playing from our three county community groups Jazz2Go, GYJA and GYJO. Expect a big showcase that embraces the many genres and styles of jazz and blues music.

Homestead

1.30 - 2.30pm, Free Stage

An uplifting set of jazz melodies inspired by everything from traditional folk to the Great American Songbook, cinema and television scores, musical soundtracks, and more.

Immy Odon

2.45 - 3.45pm, Free Stage

Vocal powerhouse Immy Odon performs acoustic covers of 00s pop classics from the likes of Britney Spears and Nelly Furtado, adding her own unique spin.

Joanna Cooke

4 - 5pm, Free Stage

Joanna Cooke’s mesmerising vocals are sure to leave a lasting impression, fusing together soul, jazz and blues. She’s joined by Martin Jenkins (keys/bass), Jem Fatna (drums) and Nathan Austin (guitar).

Dub Catalyst

red prog

5.15 - 6.15pm, Free Stage

Dub Catalyst, a ten-piece reggae/hip-hop ensemble, blends hypnotic dub reggae bass and upstroke rhythms with hip-hop-inspired energy and lyricism. A high-octane live show with something for everyone.

Ni Maxine

Ni Maxine

Immy Odon

Immy Odon

Dub Catalyst

Dub Catalyst

Good Vibes Only Soundsystem

6.30 - 7.30pm, Free Stage

Expect feel-good vibes only from the final Free Stage act of this year’s Festival. Featuring reggae, roots and dub.

Find your ...around town venues

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