International classical, blues and jazz stars to perform at music festival in the Cotswolds this summer

Bringing live classical, jazz and contemporary blues music to the Cotswolds, Guiting Music Festival celebrates its 53-year anniversary in 2024.

By Zoe Gater  |  Published
Guiting Music Festival 2024 promises an eclectic mix of music staged in the beautiful Cotswold village of Guiting Power. © Kaupo Kikkas.

Bringing a brilliant line-up of classical, jazz and blues music to the Cotswolds, Guiting Music Festival is back with a jam-packed programme for 2024.

Taking place from Friday 19 July to Sunday 28 July 2024, the festival stage will play host to world renowned International, European and UK artists, with talented performers including Joe Stilgoe and The Entertainers, Izo FitzRoy, Allison Neale, Elles Bailey, Errol Linton and many more, across 10 days, with a series of open-air concerts in the picturesque village of Guiting Power, near Stow-on-the-Wold.

The much-loved Sunday Jazz Open Air concert will return on Sunday 21 July 2024 — this year featuring piano man extraordinaire, Tom Seals, headlining and bringing his unique style to the festival stage following his triumphant debut two years ago. 

Also on the bill is Allison Neale, for her debut show at the festival, with guitarist Colin Oxley. The pair will recreate the magical pairing of Paul Desmond and Art Pepper, evoking the spirit of the two jazz musicians. They will be joined two of the finest rhythm section players on today’s jazz scene, bassist Jeremy Brown and drummer Matt Fishwick.

During the 10-day long festivities, a special concert will take place when conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh and the Fantasia Orchestra return on Friday 26 July 2024.

The 28-member chamber orchestra will perform alongside two of the UK's most treasured musicians, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who caught the world’s attention after performing at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, accompanied by his equally talented violinist brother Braimah Kanneh-Mason, together with Brazilian favourite, Plínio Fernandes, playing a selection of pieces by Brahms, Dvorak, Astor Piazzolla, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder and more. 

On Sunday 28 July 2024, audiences can expect an afternoon of pure blues as the festival welcomes 'the finest blues and reggae harmonica player in Europe' Errol Linton and his exceptional quartet; followed by award-winning performer, Elles Bailey, with her smoky voice and rootsy blues.

Alongside the unmissable entertainment, there will be wine, beer and soft drinks available from the marquee bar, plus hot food on sale during outdoor Sunday concerts — with festivalgoers also welcome to bring their own picnics.

Post-concert suppers will be on offer in the garden room of The Old Vicarage, close to the Guiting Power Village Hall. The suppers include a main course, pudding and wine, all for £30. The festival also has a dog-friendly policy.

Tickets go on general sale from Monday 29 April 2024.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit guitingfestival.org.

Event

Guiting Music Festival 2024

Venue

Playing Field behind Guiting Power Village Hall, GL54 5TX

Dates

Friday 19 to Sunday 28 July 2024

Times

Evening concerts are 6.30pm to 8.30pm, except Sundays, when concerts run from 12.30pm to 4.00pm

Admission

Tickets are priced at £30 for each performance

In partnership with Guiting Music Festival  |  guitingfestival.org

More on Guiting Music Festival More

More on Cotswolds More

More from Entertainment More