The Aberdeen Jazz Festival tuned up for its 23rd year this week, kicking off in earnest on Thursday with a programme that has already seen strong ticket demand.
The festival returned to the city for its 23rd year with a rich and varied programme spanning 11 days, with more than 30 events across 18 venues. It offers local music lovers the chance to experience world-class talent, electrifying performances and community-focused events.
Several concerts have already sold out, including one of the first events, a concert honouring the late Ron Bird, a prominent figure in Aberdeen’s music scene who passed away in early 2025.
The opening concert and workshop featured the Celtic Django Project at Middlefield Community Centre, celebrating Ron’s legacy as a beloved “eco-hero” and founder of the Guarana street drumming band.
John Youngs, CEO of Jazz Scotland, said: “Ticket sales have proved really healthy so far, and it’s been great to see the enthusiasm of Aberdonians embracing live music in their city.
“It’s been a year of significant change for live music across Aberdeen. Long-established venues have sadly closed their doors, while new spaces have reopened and brought fresh energy to the city’s music scene.”
New venues and sell-out performances
The choice of new venues have proved popular, with performances by Susan McCathie at Sugarbird Wines selling out, along with special Soundbath performances at the historic Bon Accord Baths.
The Victorian Toilets also proved one of the hottest tickets, with every performance in the venue snapped up.
John added: “For those who wanted to experience the atmosphere of this new venue, there were still tickets available for the Jazz the Day City event on Sunday, March 15.
“One ticket gives access to four venues, and a full afternoon of music in the heart of Aberdeen. As well as the Victorian Toilets, 10 different acts are performing around Encore (on Skene Terrace, formerly the Forum), the Craig Centre for Performing Arts at Robert Gordon's College and the Cowdray Hall.
“The line-up really highlights the variety of music from the funk, jazz and soul of the Gil Scott Heron Project to live Latin jazz from Melodie and the Chillers. We’ve got steel guitar player, singer and raconteur Toby Mottershead giving a tour of early blues and roots music while Nathan Somevi is fusing jazz classics and soul with a dash of gospel.”
John Youngs at Encore Aberdeen
Affordable and accessible
Produced by Jazz Scotland and supported by Aberdeen City Council and Creative Scotland, the 2026 programme covers everything from mainstream jazz to avant-garde and cutting-edge underground sounds.
To keep the festival affordable, several experiences have been priced at just £5, including the Jazz the Day City event.
With no tickets priced above £25, a “warm welcome” initiative also offered music lovers free tickets to most events. In addition, organisers have distributed more than 200 free tickets to the festival’s charity and community partners to extend its reach into every corner of the city.
Student entry is priced at £8 for most events.
Details of all concerts, venues and ticket sales can be found at: www.aberdeenjazzfestival.com.