Initial Performers Revealed for Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2025

The Cheltenham Jazz Festival has unveiled the initial five artists slated to appear at its 2025 edition. David Gray, Jools Holland, Nubya Garcia, and Corinne Bailey Rae, accompanied by Ronnie Scott’s Orchestra, are scheduled to perform as part of the festival’s 80th anniversary commemorations. The festival is set to occur in Montpellier Gardens and various temporary venues throughout the town, running from April 30 to May 5. Ian George, who serves as the head of programming for the Jazz Festival and co-CEO of its parent charity, Cheltenham Festivals, stated: “Bringing together the finest contemporary jazz from across the globe, we celebrate every genre that pulses with jazz’s vibrant DNA.” He further commented: “We’re thrilled to share a taste of what festival-goers can expect from Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2025.” The event’s program encompasses a variety of offerings, including major concerts, smaller club performances, global premieres, masterclasses, and entertainment suitable for families. The upcoming 2025 festival will mark the debut appearance of British singer-songwriter David Gray at the event. He is scheduled to present tracks from his eagerly awaited new album, *Dear Life*, alongside selections from his previous works. Nubya Garcia is slated to make a return to the festival, following her sold-out performance of her highly praised studio album *Odyssey* at Cheltenham Town Hall in 2022. Multi-GRAMMY-award-winning vocalist Corinne Bailey Rae will present her popular songs alongside Ronnie Scott’s Orchestra for a unique performance at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Pianist and broadcaster Jools Holland has also been confirmed, and he will be accompanied by Gilson Lavis, a former member of the band Squeeze. The Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, known for blending traditional Malian music with genres spanning brass-heavy funk, reggae, Delta blues, and Afro-Cuban jazz, are scheduled to headline a performance at the Festival’s 2000-capacity Big Top tent. The year 2025 will additionally feature the reintroduction of the Parabola Arts Centre programme, which focuses on showcasing new and innovative musical works. Alex Carr, who serves as the contemporary music programmer at Southbank Centre and the Jazz Programmer for the festival, commented: “Festival-goers can look forward to an exhilarating and diverse programme that reflects a slice of the brilliant music that’s being created in the UK with a sprinkle of international magic.” The complete schedule for the Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2025 is expected to be revealed early next year. For updates, follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available for review.