Courtney Pine, John Surman, Laura Misch, Nikki Iles and Tim Garland for Manchester jazz festival this May

This year’s Manchester Jazz Festival runs from 17 to 26 May at venues and sites across Manchester, showcasing the latest up and coming talent from across the North, alongside some of the UK’s leading contemporary jazz artists.

Headliners include Brit jazz saxophone greats John Surman, Courtney Pine, and Tim Garland, leading German saxophonist Daniel Erdmann, acclaimed composer Nikki Iles, top UK pianist Julian Joseph, Mercury nominated trumpeter Laura Jurd, and exciting newcomers Laura Misch and Nubiyan Twist and many more...

Building on the success of last year, Manchester Jazz Festival begins with a spectacular free-entry opening weekender at the vibrant neighbourhood: First Street from 17-19 May. There will be three event stages: Main Stage, Ask Garden Stage and HOME stage, each celebrating the breadth and individuality of the city’s home-grown scene and beyond: bands emerging through the MJF artist development programmes, alongside national and international talent, plus family-friendly activities and food and drink.

There are three new venue partners for this year: The Deaf Institute (The Lodge), Stoller Hall and The Carlton Club in Whalley Range, alongside MJF regulars and returning venues: St Ann’s Church, Matt & Phreds, RNCM, Forsyth Music Shop and the festival closes with an extended weekend-long party at Band on the Wall. MJF is also hosting a new MJF Originals commission ‘Séance’ – a moving musical performance, transforming The Deaf Institute into a space for connection. 

The line-up so far announced includes:

• RNCM 18 & 25 May

Nikki Iles Jazz Orchestra, John Surman: Words Unspoken

• The Carlton Club20 – 22 May

The Wagon Train + Maja Bugge, with Evans and Gregory: SORTLAND, Daniel Erdmann’s Thérapie de Couple

• Matt and Phreds 17- 25 May

Gypsies of Bohemia, Kemani Anderson, Band Pres Llareggub Brass Band, M&P x mjf Open Jam (led by Johnny Hunter), Slow Down Motion, The Mudez Project, The Gelatos, The Vinyl Steppers, plus more to be announced...

• St Ann’s Church 24 May

Trish Clowes & Ross Stanley, an impressive duo interacting brilliantly with both energy and delicacy.

• Forsyth Music 24 May

UK jazz piano legend Julian Joseph

• The Stoller Hall24 May

Tim Garland’s Lighthouse Trio on its 20^th anniversary tour.

• Band on the Wall 23 - 26 May

Courtney Pine, Nubiyan Twist, Adam Ben Ezra, Nu Genea x Mr Scruff take over x Me Gusta, Laura Misch, Laura Jurd’s Big Friendly Band, Sarāb, Close Counters, Fallen Flags, D’Accord!, Awen Ensemble, Bianca Gannon Ensemble, Carole Nelson Trio, Black Hudu (DJ set

For more information on the full line-up and tickets visit manchesterjazz.com