Norwich is preparing to welcome back one of its most exciting cultural celebrations as the Norwich Jazz Festival returns from 15 to 24 May. Taking over venues across the city, the ten day programme promises an inspiring mix of live performances, conversations and film, all spotlighting the very best of contemporary UK jazz.
Following a successful relaunch in 2025, the festival is back with renewed confidence and energy. This year it proudly forms part of the wider Norfolk & Norwich Festival, placing jazz firmly at the heart of the region’s creative calendar. With events unfolding in some of Norwich’s most loved venues, the atmosphere is set to be vibrant, welcoming and distinctly city wide.
At the centre of it all is Norwich Arts Centre, which once again plays a key role in shaping and hosting the programme. The festival’s return builds on last year’s momentum and reflects the growing appetite for bold, innovative jazz across the UK. Early highlights announced last November, including GoGo Penguin and the Balimaya Project, quickly set the tone for what promises to be a standout year.
The festival opens on Friday 15 May with the Balimaya Project at The Spiegeltent. Known for their rich blend of West African rhythms and contemporary jazz influences, the collective bring colour, depth and powerful musicianship to the stage. It is an opening that feels celebratory and forward looking. The energy continues into the evening with the Norwich Jazz Festival 2026 Launch Party, where Mondo DJs join Amy Nomvula and Easily Dunn for a vibrant set mixing jazz and worldbeat sounds. It is the kind of night designed to draw audiences together and set the mood for the days ahead.
On 16 May, acclaimed tuba player and Sons of Kemet member Theon Cross takes to the stage at Norwich Arts Centre with his dynamic trio. Cross has become a defining figure in the new wave of British jazz, and his performance promises powerful low end grooves and a bold contemporary edge. Norwich Arts Centre provides the perfect intimate setting for an artist whose sound is both expansive and immersive.
Epic Studios will once again host several major performances throughout the week. On 19 May, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra returns after delivering one of the most memorable sets of 2025. This time they present a brand new show celebrating the legacy of Abdullah Ibrahim and the distinctive sounds of South African township jazz. It is a performance that bridges generations, combining youthful energy with a deep respect for jazz heritage.
The Neil Cowley Trio reunite at Norwich Arts Centre on 21 May to present music from their new album, Entity. Known for their distinctive blend of original compositions and dynamic interplay, the trio have long been admired for pushing boundaries while maintaining an emotional core. Their return to Norwich is certain to be a highlight for long time fans and new listeners alike.
On 22 May, Nubiyan Twist headline at Epic Studios. The London based jazz and Afrobeat collective are celebrated for their infectious energy and uplifting live shows. Supported by Tara Lily and Tadi The Great, the evening promises rhythm, brass and an atmosphere that is impossible to sit still through.
Manchester trio GoGo Penguin take to the stage at Epic Studios on 23 May, bringing their latest album Necessary Fictions to Norwich. Fusing jazz, classical and electronic elements, their sound is immersive and cinematic. Joined by special guest Daudi Matsiko, it is set to be one of the most anticipated nights of the festival.
The closing performance on 24 May offers a fitting tribute to jazz history. Gary Crosby’s Mingus Moves celebrates the music of Charles Mingus, with Crosby’s sextet performing classic repertoire that honours one of the genre’s most influential figures. It provides a sense of reflection and celebration as the festival draws to a close.
Beyond the headline performances, the Norwich Jazz Festival reaches into the heart of the city with a series of intimate pop up events. At The Book Hive, broadcaster and DJ Amy Nomvula will appear in conversation with musician and author André Marmot, exploring themes from his book Unapologetic Expression: The Inside Story of the UK Jazz Explosion. Cinema City’s courtyard hosts jazz trio ABNA, followed by a screening of Whiplash, blending live performance with cinematic storytelling. In the beautiful Anteros courtyard, London based harpist Marysia Osu offers a more contemplative musical moment, adding another texture to the programme.
What makes the Norwich Jazz Festival so compelling is not just the calibre of artists but the way it weaves through the city’s cultural spaces. From Norwich Arts Centre to Epic Studios, from bookshops to courtyards, it creates a shared experience that feels accessible and inclusive.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday 20 February at 10am, and with such a diverse and high quality line up, early booking is strongly recommended. For ten days in May, Norwich will once again pulse with rhythm, creativity and connection. The Norwich Jazz Festival 2026 is shaping up to be a joyful, confident celebration of contemporary jazz, firmly rooted in the city and open to all.
Location: 51 St Benedicts St, Norwich NR2 4PG
Website: https://norwichartscentre.co.uk/nac-stories/norwich-jazz-festival-announcement/