Cheltenham Jazz Festival

Cheltenham Jazz Festival is one of the UK’s leading jazz festivals, and is part of Cheltenham Festivals: also responsible for the Science, Music and Literature Festivals that run every year.

Introduction and history

The Cheltenham Jazz Festival was started in 1996, under the direction of Jim Smith, and has successfully established itself as one of the UK’s most popular jazz festivals. With a programme now developed by Tony Dudley-Evans, the festival’s artistic director, the Cheltenham Jazz Festival consists of a broad range of jazz in many guises. Every year, thousands of music fans come to see some of the most creative musicians in the world.

The 2011 Programme

The 2011 Cheltenham Jazz Festival ran from 27th April – 2nd May bringing world-class musical talent to the UK. The festival is one of the most diverse and forward thinking festivals in the country showcasing music from superstar performers, jazz legends and contemporary musicians.

Following Jamie Cullum’s incredible sell-out performance last year, he returned this year in the role of Guest Director. Other highlights included international stars such as Pharoah Sanders, Dame Cleo Laine and Dave Holland; modern home-grown talents like Kit Downes and Portico Quartet, incredible vocals from Susanna and Andreya Triana and even actor Hugh Laurie's musical foray, in light of the release of his debut album Let Them Talk.

This year, the festival offers the perfect bank holiday escape as it celebrates the Royal......
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