February 2024 - Manchester Jazz Festival

We are back! #mjf2024 is taking shape with our full line-up announced this morning and on sale via Eventbrite.

And this year’s line-up continually strives to push boundaries and blur lines between jazz and the wider musical scene. As always, we are proud to welcome the best UK jazz artists (Laura Misch, Laura Jurd’s Big Friendly Band, Nubiyan Twist) and – for the first time since 2019 – we are also delighted to present a wealth of international artists (Daniel Erdmann’s Thérapie de Couple, Sarāb, D’Accord!). And of course we feature some of greatest jazz artists (Courtney Pine, Julian Joseph, John Surman: Words Unspoken). Learn more below and browse our full line-up here.

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 (Conor Michael & The Greenskeepers, Secret Night Gang) 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 (Floorkin, Mo.e, Hoda Jahanpour & Pedraum Agahi). Accomplished performers in more intimate settings adorn the Home Stage (Archipelago, Claire Victoria Roberts) throughout each day.

On Sunday we partner with Jazz North for the return of the Northern Line showcase: on the Main Stage, we’ll showcase five acts selected by industry experts to be elected onto the 2024 artist roster.

Matt & Phred’s

Matt & Phred’s at Manchester Jazz Festival 2024 does what Matt & Phred’s does best; throw a brilliant late night jazz party. Featuring sultry sounds to make any dancefloor irresistible (The Vinyl Steppers, Gypsies of Bohemia) and of course, there’s an appearance from at least one brass band (Band Pres Llareggub Brass Band). Special mention has to go to the The Tom Sharp Jazz Orchestra – M&P’s Big Band Brunch. Enjoy a 20-piece line up performing classic Big Band Jazz of the 20th Century, whilst enjoying a special brunch pizza menu!.

St Ann’s Church

A firm favourite venue for mjf regulars, at St Ann’s, we welcome a selection of the UK’s most respected and cherished established players in intimate acoustic performances (Trish Clowes & Ross Stanley) that bring you close to the music. Artistry, expertise and virtuosity, set in an oasis of calm in the bustling city centre.

Closing weekend at Band on the Wall

The very best in energetic, contemporary jazz talent (Courtney Pine, Laura Misch, Laura Jurd’s Big Friendly Band) – from legends to fast-rising names to watch all in a classic club setting. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Friday night at Band on the Wall if we didn’t have a Nu Gunea x Mr Scruff take over x Me Gusta!

And there’s yet more to discover here.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

First time attending a jazz gig? – this handy article will let you know what all the fuss is about!