Dave Liebman/Randy Brecker and Bebel Gilberto announced for Cheltenham 2020

The Cheltenham Jazz Festival returns next year from 5 to 10 May 2020, running a week later than usual to accommodate the new date for the early bank holiday of Friday 8 May, which marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day. The event’s organisers have appointed former Roundhouse Head of Music, Dave Gaydon, as the new Head of Programming for the Jazz Festival, following his predecessor Emily Jones’ move to the Sage, Gateshead (where she will take on the role of Senior Producer). Gaydon’s eight year-tenure at the iconic Roundhouse saw him bring a string of eye-catching happenings to the 3,000 capacity venue, including the BBC Electric Proms, iTunes Festival, Mercury Awards, an acclaimed Frank Zappa Festival and several big bands at the EFG London Jazz Festival, all of which has helped put the venue back on the map since its 1960s/70s heyday.

The festival’s diverse booking policy continues too, with US gospel stars The Blind Boys of Alabama lining up on a double-bill with Grammy-nominated Malian couple Amadou and Mariam at the 2,000 capacity Big Top (8 May). This tented venue is part of the now firmly-established Festival Village in the town’s Montpellier Gardens. Having undergone a makeover for the 2019 edition, the publicly-accessible space also includes the Jazz Arena, Freetstage and numerous smaller stages for the many interactive performances, family-orientated jazz workshops, music discussions and on-site record store, alongside a plethora of bars and international food stalls. Other venues around the town include the Parabola Arts Centre (PAC) which presents the festival’s core jazz artists, The Daffodil restaurant and the Hotel Du Vin which hosts smaller daytime shows as well as the official late-night jam session.

Initial names announced for Cheltenham’s 24th edition include heavyweight US horn stars – trumpeter Randy Brecker and saxophonist Dave Liebman – who team up with renowned pianist Marc Copland to lead a collaborative Quintet (10 May). Also confirmed is acclaimed Brazilian vocalist Bebel Gilberto (the daughter of João Gilberto and singer Miúcha), who brings her rarefied blend of bossa nova festival’s core jazz artists, The Daffodil restaurant and the Hotel Du Vin which hosts smaller daytime shows as well as the official late-night jam session. Further names are to be announced in early 2020. Jazzwise is festival media partner.

Tickets go on sale to Cheltenham Festivals Members on 26 November and on general sale on 28 November from www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz