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Manchester! Did you miss us? #mjf2026 has landed, with our full line-up now announced and on sale via Eventbrite.
“The mjf programme is always a melting pot of ideas, peoples and intentions. The umbrella term of jazz itself can imply something definitive about its sounds and styles, but I’d like to think that at mjf, artists and audiences are positively encouraged to ignore any boundaries and focus on the magic of experiencing creative music-making in the moment. It’s the pursuit of this magic that drives our programming more than anything, whether it be an international band on their UK debut, a cherished local artist or a respected headliner. And it’s that magic that I hope our listeners encounter on their many musical discoveries throughout the festival this year.”
– Steve Mead, Artistic Director
Hot off the heels of our 30th anniversary bumper edition, mjf returns for the 31st year! Continuing our pledge to present the very best contemporary, genre-fusing jazz from across the North (Olivia Cuttill and Friends Play the Legends of Jazz, Dilettante, Lara Jones and Rory A Green), the wider UK (China Moses, Bel Cobain, Andy Sheppard and Seed.) and beyond (Nout and Lau Noah), read on to discover more!
And, back by popular demand, we’ll see this years’ festival out with our celebratory mjf wrap party featuring. Ed Kainyek Quartet, taking place at the ultimate late night venue, Matt & Phreds. In addition, this years’ partnership with Oldham Coliseum Theatre (Her Revelation/Lullaby Sonic Cradle and Vipertime) will see an expansion into the Oldham borough as we welcome two new venues to our lineup: Whittles and George Street Chapel.
Opening Weekender: mjf@First Street
Our free opening weekender celebrates the breadth and individuality of our home-grown scene: bands from, or with a strong connection to, the north. It’s also about shining the spotlight on artists who’ve journeyed through some of our talent development programmes in recent years.
As well as some of the north’s leading artists gracing our Main Stage (Orchestra Mambo International, mjf favourite Charlie Cooper & The CCs and David Kayode) on Friday and Saturday, you can check out some of the northern bands from our Soundcheck and hothouse artist development programmes on the Ask Garden Stage (Thanda Gumede and Friends, Femme De La Femme and Lara Jones). Plus don’t miss our collaboration with the Manchester Folk Festival, as we welcome, Heather Ferrier and her trio.
On Sunday we partner with Jazz North for the return of the Northern Line showcase: we’ll present the five acts selected by industry experts for their 2026 artist roster (Rory A Green, SwanNek, Hang Linton, Rivkala and Ancient Infinity Orchestra).
And, with the return of our family friendly lineup, on Saturday morning, there truly is something for everyone!
Celebrating Centenaries and More…
It wouldn’t be mjf without paying homage to jazz legends that have shaped and influenced many of our most celebrated artists today.
Tony Kofi and Denys Baptiste will reunite to present: Legacy – Coltrane and Cannonball – a powerful new project exploring the legendary partnership of Julian “Cannonball” Adderley and John Coltrane.
Olivia Cuttill and Friends play the Legends of Jazz: 2026 marks the centenary of a host of jazz legends – Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ray Brown and many others, who built a formative jazz repertoire that still resonates with musicians and listeners today. For this intimate and unamplified concert in Forsyth’s historic piano showroom, the sparkling Olivia leads a quintet of fast-rising stars through a selection of landmark 50s and 60s be-bop tunes made famous by those icons, from albums such as Kind of Blue, Giant Steps, Milestones…
Only at mjf
Continuing our commitment to developing new work, mjfs’ commissions have always been a staple of our lineup. This year, in collaboration with Oldham Coliseum Theatre and The Old Courts, Wigan, we are presenting, Satnam Galsian: Love or Sacrifice.
A groundbreaking British Asian singer-songwriter and progressive folk artist whose music blends the rich tradition of Punjabi folk with contemporary, feminist storytelling. Through her distinctive sound, Satnam reimagines the vibrant narratives of her heritage, responding to traditional Punjabi songs through a modern and empowering lens.
Plus explosive, effervescent French trio, Nout, will make their UK debut and Catalonian virtuoso guitarist, Lau Noah will make her Manchester debut. Catch both over at Band on the Wall across our final closing weekend.
Best Genre Fusing Acts
A return to the intimate surroundings of Low Four Studio will welcome Tom Cawley’s, enormous soundscapes, rhythmic mayhem, harmonic lushness and spontaneous moments of magic coupled with Sarsen Drift, the brainchild of mjf favourites, Rebecca Nash and Nick Walters, joining forces to celebrate the mutual appreciation of electronica and jazz, in this double bill.
Don’t miss fast-rising star, Bel Cobain: an enigmatic songstress hailing from the heart of East London, she evokes a mystique reminiscent of musical luminaries Pink Floyd and Kate Bush.
Our return to Factory International brings a pop twist to the programme as we introduce Dilettante. The brainchild of Francesca Pidgeon, she has supported the likes of Caribou, Self Esteem and Philip Selway (Radiohead) with her intricately looped sax and fuzzy guitar riffs.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
