2026 SIDMOUTH INTERNATIONAL JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL
22 – 25 MAY 2026
2026 FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES STAR-STUDDED LINE-UP
The 2026 Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival will take place from Friday 22 May to Monday 25 May 2026, promising to be the biggest and best edition yet.
Chair of Tourism and Economy at Sidmouth Town Council, Edward Willis Fleming said
“This is totally awesome news for the Town and for East Devon that a truly World Class line up of Musical Talent is heading to our Town and ensuring that The Sidmouth Internation Jazz and Blues Festival is going from strength to strength. The whole Town is already buzzing with excitement. Get tickets now while you can”.
With an outstanding line-up of internationally acclaimed artists, the festival will once again deliver on its promise of being “where the sound meets the sea,” bringing world-class music to the beautiful coastal town of Sidmouth, Devon.
Following the tremendous success of the 2025 festival, organisers are thrilled to reveal a stellar line-up of headline acts for the fifth annual event. Super early bird festival passes, and exclusive VIP packages are now on sale and can be booked via the festival website.
Blackmore Gardens will once again be the festival’s main outdoor performance venue, located right in the heart of Sidmouth. This year’s headline acts promise four unforgettable nights of live music: Friday 22 May – Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra opens the festival and is joined by special guests Roachford, Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall, and Sumudu Jayatilaka, guaranteeing an electric start to the weekend.
Multi-award-winning British soul powerhouse Emeli Sandé will headline with her band on Saturday 23 May who is known for her global hits such as “Read All About It” and “Next to Me”, Emeli captivated millions during her unforgettable performance at the London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony. Her soulful vocals and powerful stage presence will light up Sidmouth on Saturday night.
The iconic American R&B and Soul singer Macy Gray takes centre stage on Sunday 24 May evening. Her career skyrocketed in 1999 with the hit single “I Try”, and her timeless voice and compelling performance style promise a magical evening under the Sidmouth stars.
Monday 25 May, sees Incognito, British acid jazz and funk pioneers Incognito will close the festival with a spectacular headline performance. Founded in 1979 by Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick and Paul “Tubbs” Williams, the band has been at the forefront of the UK jazz-funk scene for over four decades. Expect classics like “Always There,” “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing,” and “Nights Over Egypt” alongside exciting new material.
From Saturday 23 to Monday 25 May, festivalgoers can enjoy a diverse programme of daytime performances on the Blackmore Gardens main stage. The line-up will showcase a vibrant mix of jazz, swing, blues, roots, soul, gospel, funk, and Latin music from talented artists across the UK, Europe, and beyond.
Peacock Lawn, adjacent to Blackmore Gardens, will host the “Love Local Stage” alongside global street food vendors, creating the perfect blend of free live music and delicious cuisine. Performances will feature both established and emerging regional musicians, offering a fantastic platform for talent to shine.
The festival atmosphere will extend across the whole town with free fringe performances, street music, and live sessions at local venues – bringing Sidmouth alive with music and celebration.
The 2026 festival will also feature a dynamic, inclusive, and accessible free education programme, running from Saturday 23 to Monday 25 May. In collaboration with local schools, colleges, community groups, and music education partners, the programme will include workshops and masterclasses, interactive participation opportunities, arts projects exploring the history of jazz and blues, a special “Ring Shout” dance and music project, drumming workshops and much more!
In addition, a new outreach programme will bring live pop-up performances to local care homes and hospices. This initiative aims to share the joy of music with those unable to attend the festival in person, enhancing wellbeing and fostering greater community connection.
Festival Director Ian Bowden said: “Since the festival’s inception in 2021, we have been incredibly proud of the positive momentum and support we have received in such a brief time.
Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival is now firmly established as one of the UK’s leading boutique music festivals of its kind. Our mission remains to deliver the highest quality live music experience while providing a blend of free and ticketed events that encourage engagement, learning, and participation for all.
Sidmouth is a truly special location, and the festival not only highlights world-class music but also highlights everything this wonderful town has to offer as a cultural and holiday destination.”
Tickets for evening headline concerts and day passes, will be released over the coming months, with additional artist announcements to follow.
For the latest updates and to purchase tickets, visit: www.sidmouthjazz.com