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Scarborough Jazz Festival - Sept 2026 - Scarborough Spa

YORKS: Scarborough Spa Grand Hall calendar_today 25 Sep 2026 place Scarborough, North Yorkshire see below

Scarborough Jazz Festival 2026

The Jewel of the Yorkshire Coast Returns

September 25th – 27th, 2026 | Scarborough Spa

Following the incredible success of last year, we are delighted to welcome back the Scarborough Jazz Festival. Now a firm fixture in the national jazz calendar, this three-day celebration brings the very best of the UK and international jazz scenes to the edge of the Atlantic.

Curated with an eye for both the legendary and the cutting-edge, the 2026 festival promises a weekend of virtuosity, variety, and vibrant energy.

Why Scarborough Jazz is Different:

  • World-Class Lineup: A hand-picked selection of big bands, intimate trios, and boundary-pushing soloists.

  • The Atmosphere: There is something magical about the combination of world-class jazz and the sound of the waves.

  • Inclusive & Inspiring: From late-night jam sessions to afternoon showcases, the festival offers a welcoming environment for seasoned aficionados and new listeners alike.

Tickets are now on sale!

Don't miss your chance to be part of the most atmospheric jazz weekend in the North.

Scarborough Jazz Festival 2026: Artist Analysis

The Headliners & Showstoppers

  • Soft Machine: A living, shape-shifting project that defies nostalgia. Moving seamlessly between progressive jazz-fusion and psychedelia, they remain one of the most contemporary and adventurous acts on the circuit.

  • Alan Barnes + 11: The prolific multi-reed master leads a powerhouse 12-piece big band. Expect masterful arrangements of 1959 classics, delivered with Alan’s signature blend of technical brilliance and engaging humour.

  • Ian Shaw & Liane Carroll: Two of the finest singer-pianists in the world and lifelong friends. Their rapport turns every show into an emotional roller coaster of musical class and wit.

  • Dark Side of the Big Band: A must-see "Pink Floyd ReWorked" session. This ambitious project reimagines the atmospheric rock legends through a lush, big-band lens.

Contemporary Explorers

  • Alina Bzhezhinska – HipHarpCollective feat. Tony Kofi: One of the world's leading harpists brings the instrument to the forefront of contemporary sound, paying tribute to visionaries like Alice Coltrane.

  • Levitation Orchestra: A collective known for their sprawling, genre-defying performances that blend spiritual jazz with contemporary classical and experimental textures.

  • Shirley Smart Sextet: Led by the internationally acclaimed cellist, this group draws on Middle Eastern and Balkan influences to create a unique, cross-cultural jazz experience.

The Virtuosos

  • Rory Ingham’s Trombone Assembly: A high-energy, multi-trombone frontline that showcases the incredible versatility and power of the instrument.

  • Xhosa Cole Quartet: The former BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year brings a quartet that celebrates the Great American Songbook with fresh, modern energy.

  • David Newton Trio: Led by one of the UK’s most celebrated jazz pianists (and a frequent collaborator with Alan Barnes), this trio offers unparalleled precision and telepathic interplay.

The Official 2026 Festival Schedule

Friday 25th September

  • Session 1 (Starts 11:45am):

    • John Settle’s Vibe-ology — Soulful vibes to open the festival.

    • Orchard — Atmospheric contemporary jazz.

    • Barry Green’s Expansions: McCoy Tyner Project — A powerful tribute to a jazz giant.

  • Session 2 (Starts 6:00pm):

    • Shirley Smart Sextet — Global jazz fusions.

    • David Newton Trio — Piano-led perfection.

    • Levitation Orchestra — Spiritual and experimental big-band sounds.

Saturday 26th September

  • Session 1 (Starts 11:45am):

    • Benet McLean Quintet — Masterful violin-led contemporary jazz.

    • Brigitte Beraha with Alan Barnes & Barry Green — Intimate and world-class vocal jazz.

    • Xhosa Cole Quartet — Powerful, soulful saxophone work.

  • Session 2 (Starts 6:00pm):

    • Dark Side of the Big Band: Pink Floyd ReWorked — A grand, symphonic-jazz experience.

    • Rory Ingham’s Trombone Assembly — Heavy-duty brass virtuosity.

    • Soft Machine — Legendary progressive jazz-fusion.

Sunday 27th September

  • Session 1 (Starts 12:30pm):

    • Bryan Corbett presents The Instrumental Groove Unit — Funk-infused trumpet grooves.

    • Alina Bzhezhinska – HipHarpCollective feat. Tony Kofi — Boundary-pushing harp and sax.

    • Ian Shaw and Liane Carroll — The ultimate vocal and piano duo.

  • Session 2 (Starts 7:00pm):

    • 3D Jazz Trio — Energetic, swinging arrangements.

    • Alan Barnes + 11 — The festival’s grand finale big band.

Also featuring throughout the weekend: Al Morrison Trio, Funky Tuesday Choir, and Easy Concert Band.

Ticket Pricing Options

  • Weekend Stroller Ticket: £139.00 (Provides access to all sessions across the three days).

  • Day Tickets:

    • Friday: £59.00.

    • Saturday: £69.00.

    • Sunday: £69.00.

  • Individual Session Tickets:

    • Friday Afternoon: £30.00.

    • Friday Evening: £35.00.

    • Saturday Afternoon: £35.00.

    • Saturday Evening: £40.00.

    • Sunday Afternoon: £40.00.

    • Sunday Evening: £35.00.

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Important Booking Information

All ticket prices listed above are subject to a 10% booking fee.

  • You can secure your spots via the Scarborough Spa Box Office at 01723 376774 or directly through their website at scarboroughspa.co.uk.

    Given the caliber of acts like Soft Machine and the Alan Barnes + 11 finale, the full Weekend Stroller remains the most popular choice for those wanting the complete "sea and swing" experience!

Box Office: 01723 376774 | Web: scarboroughspa.co.uk

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