Cambridge Jazz Festival 2026

The Cambridge Jazz Festival returns for its twelfth edition from 12 to 23 November, with more than 40 events spread across two weeks. It's a city-wide affair, so the music isn't tied to one spot; it runs through concert halls, clubs, college venues and grassroots spaces all over Cambridge and the surrounding area. The festival is supported by Arts Council England, and its aim is to bring international artists to the city while keeping the local talent, venues and promoters in the spotlight.

The line-up this year includes Lizz Wright, Delfeayo Marsalis, Eric Alexander and Andy Sheppard, with Emma Rawicz and Knats also playing. Josephine Davies is the Artist in Residence, collaborating with the Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra (CUJO). One of the stand-out dates is Jazz Against All Odds at the NCI Centre on Thursday 19 November.

Jazz Against All Odds is the group's newest big band, formed in 2025 as a 17-piece. They describe their sound as inspired by the golden age of big band swing, but they're keen to explore the more adventurous end of the jazz spectrum, mixing swing, funk and Latin with contemporary arrangements and unexpected reworkings of popular tunes. It's a big sound for a big band, and they've already played to a sellout at the Portland Arms and performed at the Eddington Festival earlier in the summer.

New for 2026 is the Grassroots programme, which extends the festival beyond the main venues to support the local jazz scene. Tickets start from £10, and with more than 40 events running across the city from 12 to 23 November, there's plenty to pick from over the two weeks.