Aberdeen Jazz Festival is back for its 23rd year with a rich and varied programme that lets music lovers experience and discover world-class talent, electrifying performances and community-focused events.
Despite the recent closure of one of its main venues - the Gallowgate’s iconic Blue Lamp - the broad and ambitious new line-up of sites and performers hits the right notes with something for everyone to choose from this March.
Spanning 13 days with over 30 events across 18 venues, the festival has all genres covered, from mainstream jazz to the avant garde through to the cutting-edge underground sounds that have made the UK such an important home for jazz right now.
A city transformed, from historic baths to Victorian toilets
While the loss of the Blue Lamp in December was a major setback to the festival organisers, they have turned a challenge into a triumph by expanding into a diverse mix of city spaces.
This year’s line-up features performances in the historic Bon Accord Baths – closed since 2008 – where a special Soundbath performance uses the cathedral-like acoustics of the Art Deco building.
Other non-traditional spots include the Victorian Toilets in Union Terrace Gardens, the Tunnels, Queens Cross Church and the newly re-opened Forum on the city’s Skene Terrace.
These join established favourites like the Cowdray Hall and the Lemon Tree to make sure every corner of the city can get in the swing of things.
The popular “Jazz the Day City” is also back, where one ticket gives access to four venues for a full afternoon of music in the heart of Aberdeen, allowing fans to create their own perfect Sunday line-up by dipping in and out of different spaces.
Aberdeen Jazz Festival performers AiiTee, Kimberley Tessa, Nuna Mutikani, and Sean Bissett pictured at one of the new venues, the Victorian Toilets on Union Terrace
A score for everyone: from Strictly singer to salsa beat
Produced by Jazz Scotland and supported by Aberdeen City Council and The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the 2026 programme offers musical experiences that hit every rhythm and beat. Highlights include:
- big stage energy as the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra brings the modern American songbook to the Music Hall with vibraphonist Joe Locke and Strictly Come Dancing’s lead singer Tommy Blaize.
- the global sounds of Orquestra Boreal who bring 10-piece salsa heat to the Lemon Tree, while Paul Harrison’s Encontros bring a Scottish twist to the warmth and spark of Brazilian music
- international debuts, including the all-female Toolbox Orchestra from Berlin who make their first Scottish appearance using instruments including workshop tools.
- late-night vibes with The Rhyme Lounge pairing live hip-hop with jazz, while the Gil Scott-Heron Project and award-winning hip-hop jazz ensemble Kai Reesu (2025 winner of Scottish Album of the Year) keep the energy high
Celebrating local talent and legends
The festival remains firmly rooted in the North-east, with Methlick-born Dame Evelyn Glennie - the world’s first full-time solo percussionist - in conversation at Cowdray Hall to share stories from her pioneering career.
And in a poignant tribute, the festival will honour the late Ron Bird, a prominent figure in Aberdeen’s music scene who passed away in early 2025. A free concert and workshop featuring the Celtic Django Project will celebrate his legacy at the Middlefield Community Centre, where he was a beloved “eco-hero” and founder of the Guarana street drumming band.
Aberdeen Jazz Festival performers AiiTee, Nuna Mutikani, Kimberley Tessa and Sean Bissett at the line-up launch
Other local highlights include:
- Matthew Kilner - the BBC Young Jazz Musician finalist returns to his home town with his quintet.
- AiiTee - the multi-award-nominated Aberdonian singer brings her unique blend of Afrobeat, soul and R&B.
- Marianne McGregor - the Orcadian 2023 Scottish Jazz Awards Best Vocalist performs with her new sextet.
“Highlight of calendar”
John Youngs, CEO of Jazz Scotland, said: “Aberdeen Jazz Festival has always reached out across the city, but this year feels particularly special. We have turned the challenge of losing a key venue into an opportunity to showcase a wider range of arts and music spaces across Aberdeen.
“The festival has held a unique place in the city’s heart over the decades and we’re delighted to be building on this legacy with some true new gems to discover. This year’s programme highlights excellent local businesses and venues, and demonstrates that Aberdeen Jazz Festival has always been about more than a single building.”
Clare Hewitt, Music Officer at Creative Scotland, said: “Aberdeen Jazz Festival has proven to be as innovative and constantly evolving as the genre it celebrates and continues to be a highlight of the Scottish cultural calendar.
“By using imagination and collaboration to turn every available space into a venue that showcases a world-class range of home-grown and international talent, Aberdeen is creating new and unique experiences for people to discover and enjoy a vibrant and nurtured jazz scene.”
Details of all concerts, venues and ticket sales can be found at: www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com