A vibrant programme of world-class jazz talent has been announced for this year’s Swansea International Jazz Festival, set to take place from 3 – 6 September 2026 across venues in the city.
Presented by Swansea Council, the festival promises four days of outstanding live music, showcasing an exciting mix of internationally acclaimed artists and leading UK performers.
Councillor Andrew Williams, Cabinet Member for Development at Swansea Council, said: “We are delighted to unveil the programme for the Swansea International Jazz Festival.
“This year’s line-up reflects the strength and diversity of the jazz scene, bringing together internationally acclaimed musicians and outstanding UK talent.
“The festival continues to play an important role in Swansea’s cultural calendar, attracting audiences from across the region and beyond while showcasing our city’s vibrant venues and welcoming atmosphere.”
Opening the festival on Thursday 3 September at Swansea Grand Theatre will be Swiss guitarist, Nicolas Meier, best known for touring with the Jeff Beck Band, blending influences from Turkish and Middle Eastern traditions with Flamenco, Tango, and contemporary jazz to create a sound that is vibrant, expressive, and entirely his own.
Friday sees the festival move to the National Waterfront Museum, where Claire Martin and Laurence Cottle join forces to present their exciting new project, ‘Bass to Face’, and Swansea Minster, for a night of velvety vocals and powerhouse trumpet playing as Georgina Jackson brings her ‘Sass and Brass’ show to the city.
Aidan Thorne and Jason Ball kick things off on Saturday, performing their music that reimagines Welsh folk melodies through a blend of improvisation and minimalism.
Then the Power of Gower Festival Big Band will light up the stage with an afternoon of swing, soul, and sizzling brass before award-winning saxophonist James Allsopp pays tribute to the legendary Stan Getz with his quartet. Christian Garrick’s String Bag, which showcases bowed strings beyond their classical comfort zone, brings Saturday’s live shows to a close.
On Sunday the festival takes a musical trip to Bourbon Street in New Orleans when Swansea’s Cottle Brothers go back to their musical roots in a special performance with their Dixieland All-star Band.
The festival, then, switches continents, with the Tango Jazz Quartet blending the fiery spirit of their nation’s Argentine tango with the freedom and creativity of jazz improvisation. The festival closes with the outstanding Jana Varga fronting a seven-piece band, Hejira, in a celebration of Joni Mitchell’s ground-breaking late-70s jazz period in at Swansea Minster.
Alongside the ticketed shows, Swansea International Jazz Festival features the Copper Jack Jazz Cruises, a unique opportunity to enjoy live jazz aboard a riverboat as it sails along the River Tawe, and the popular stroller programme, featuring over 50 free gigs across city centre venues, pubs, and cafés.
With its mix of ticketed headline shows, free community performances, and unique experiences like the jazz cruises, Swansea International Jazz Festival offers something for everyone, from seasoned ‘jazzers’ to general lovers of live music.
Tickets, including the ‘Festival Wristband’ offering savings on all 10 concerts, are available to buy now via the Grand Theatre Box Office, 01792 475715, or online at www.visitswanseabay.com, where you can also find the full programme.
