mjf programmes not only the UK’s best emerging and established bands, but also focuses on championing the north’s diverse creative artists. Our talent development programmes hothouse and soundcheck help foster the current and next generations of diverse music-makers, and our renowned mjf originals commission programme offers northern artists a high-profile opportunity to create new work – and gives audiences new music experiences they simply can’t get anywhere else.
We are deeply ingrained in the city’s heritage and our mission is to enrich the cultural life of our region through our brave programming.
From humble beginnings in 1996, mjf now programmes an annual summer festival attracting thousands of music fans, along with a growing year-round programme of collaborations and artist support schemes. In addition to this, mjf was and still is one of the leading festivals to offer an open submissions process for artists.
And we have recently formed our first ever youth advisory board, working in collaboration with some of the brightest 18-25 year olds. We have been examining our practises and how we and the industry itself can better support young people and their access to music. More details to follow!
mjf is a not-for-profit, registered charity. Whilst we aim for our events to be accessible, affordable and often free, staging a festival at this scale requires us to work very hard at fundraising.
We receive some funding from Arts Council England, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Manchester City Council, HMUK, PRS Foundation and other funders. But this doesn’t cover our delivery costs.
We also rely on sponsorship from brands, hosting corporate sponsors at the festival and the donations of individuals who feel as passionately as we do about bringing our eclectic and original mix of music to this amazing city.
Could you support mjf? Please donate here.
And learn a little more about all the work we do below.
manchester jazz festival is a PRS Foundation Talent Development Partner supported by PPL and in association with Youth Music.
mjf is a Keychange Associate, a founder member of Black Lives in Music, a member of the Europe Jazz Network and a founder member of the Jazz Promotion Network.
mjf is a not-for-profit Registered Charity No. 1130000. mjf is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England. No4670534. Registered office: Elliot House, 151 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WD.
