Cheltenham Jazz Festival announces 2023 line-up

This year's Cheltenham Jazz Festival line-up has been announced, with more than 50 artists set to take to the stage from Wednesday 26 April to Monday 1 May 2023. 

The 2023 line-up brings more than 50 artists to the town across six music-filled days, spanning classic and contemporary jazz, blues, soul and pop, with new music and exclusive collaborations.

Visitors to the hugely popular event can see pop royalty Will Young; MIKA; Jake Bugg; Ivor Novello-winning vocalist Laura Mvula; Rufus Wainwright; and the festival's artistic curator, Gregory Porter.

Festival favourites Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra is teaming up with Spandau Ballet legend Tony Hadley, to perform new arrangements of his standout tracks; Van Morrison is playing favourites from his back catalogue, as well as showcasing new music from his forthcoming album; while Squeeze is performing a set full of hits from its 50-year career.

Homeland star Damian Lewis is joining forces with seven-piece jazz group Kansas Smitty's to perform tracks from his anticipated debut album. 

Brand-new to the festival, the Soul Jazz Summit features Porter performing alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra and Guy Barker's Big Band to celebrate the worldwide jazz explosion of the late 1950s.

London jazz group Ezra Collective, pioneering trumpeter Laura Jurd, Mercury Prize-nominated pianist Fergus McCreadie and jazz duo Blacktop, featuring BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year Xhosa Cole, are also on the bill. 

The popular 'around town...' programme of free events is making a comeback in 2023, too. 

Cheltenham Jazz Festival takes place at the festival village in Montpellier Gardens and various venues across the town, including Cheltenham Town Hall, Parabola Arts Centre, Hotel Du Vin and The Daffodil from Wednesday 26 April to Monday 1 May 2023.

Tickets for Cheltenham Jazz Festival go on sale on Wednesday 1 March 2023. 

For more information, see Cheltenham Jazz Festival.