Southport Jazz Festival is back for 2024 with an exciting line-up of 10 top shows, bringing some of the UK’s top jazz musicians to town.
Organisers Jez Murphy and Emma Holcroft were delighted with the huge success of their first festival earlier this year, which attracted hundreds of spectators from across the country.
Renowned acts performing at the three-day musical celebration on 2nd-4th February 2024 include Clare Teal, Joe Stilgoe Trio, Matt Ford and Emma Holcroft, The Elliott Henshaw Band and more.
You can buy tickets and see more details at the southportjazz.co.uk website.
The event is once again being held at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport town centre, a stunning venue which recently celebrated its first anniversary after a £4 million transformation.
The historic art deco venue, which hosts The Grand Brasserie, Chloé’s Piano Bar and The Princess Grace Suite, lends itself perfectly for the jazz festival.
There will be a variety of shows for people of all tastes from jazz enthusiasts to music lovers keen to enjoy something a little different in a glamorous setting.
There are lots of ways to enjoy the event too, with tickets available for single shows, day passes and Weekender Passes available.
Jez and Emma said: “Tickets for the 2024 Southport Jazz Festival are already selling really well, especially for the evening events.
“People who came to the festival last year were really impressed with everything – lots of people booked tickets for 2024 there and then!
“We had brilliant audiences for the shows and the feedback was excellent. We were blown away by the response.
“We are going to be following a similar format, with three shows on Friday, four on Saturday and three on Sunday.
“For each evening, we have some of the biggest names in jazz in the UK.
“We have a very good mix of artists playing original music, and jazz that people will recognise. We were given some feedback last year asking for more original jazz, and more Latin jazz, which we have incorporated for 2024.
“Tickets are on sale now! We have Weekender passes available with 10 shows for just £159, which works out at £15.90 per show. We have day passes and individual tickets available too so people can have the flexibility to come and see what they’d like and when.
“We had sell-out shows last year and tickets sold very well. If there is anything you’d like to see, we’d encourage people to secure your tickets early before they all go.
“We have got really high hopes for the 2024 festival.”
Southport Jazz Festival Directors Emma Holcroft and Jez Murphy. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
The new location for Southport Jazz Festival last year proved to be extremely popular.
Jez and Emma said: “The change of venue to The Grand went down really well. It’s a fantastic venue, with a really 1920s Great Gatsby feel, which lends itself perfectly to a jazz festival.
“We made the best decision in bringing the Southport Jazz Festival here. Everything seemed to click straight away. When we met Jeanette Gordon and Andrew Mikhail about what we wanted to do, their enthusiasm shone through. They have supported us with everything.
“As soon as you walk through the doors of this stunning art deco building and see the beautiful decor, you get the feeling straight away that you are coming in for something special.
“We would like to pay particular tribute to the staff at The Grand who were exceptional. They couldn’t do enough to ensure everyone had a great time.
“The Grand is the perfect venue for Southport Jazz Festival. It’s right in the centre of town, there is parking available, it’s close to the train station and local buses.
“There are great hotels such as the Bold Hotel and the Lord Street Hotel nearby where people can stay, and lots of excellent places to eat from breakfast through to dinner.
The Grand Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Southport Jazz Festival gave a big boost to lots of local businesses, because we brought hundreds of people into town during a weekend in February, when places are sometimes quiet.
“This is an event that attracts people from all corners of the UK.
“We had people travelling to Southport for the 2023 event from places including Kirkcaldy in Scotland, Bournemouth, Scarborough, Wales, quite a few from London, all over.
“We are always happy to help people with any advice on best places to stay etc. There’s lots of choice in Southport.
“We had some great support from local businesses through sponsorships last year and would love to hear from anyone who’d love to get involved for our next festival.”
Shows include:
Friday 2nd February 2023
1pm – Dean Masser Quartet – A Salute To Dexter Gordon
4pm – Matt Carmichael Quintet – Marram
8.30pm – A Swing Spectacular – Matt Ford and Emma Holcroft with the Swingtime Big Band
Saturday 3rd February 2023
12.30pm – Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra In Concert
3pm – The Gaz Hughes Trio – Nuclear Bebobalype – new album launch
7pm – The Clare Teal 4
10pm – The Elliott Henshaw Band – Spice Fusion
Sunday 4th February 2023
1pm – Mike Smith Jazz Quintet – featuring Jamie Brownfield
4pm – TRYPL – Latin Jazz
8pm – Joe Stilgoe Trio
- Southport Jazz Festival is at The Grand, 180 Lord Street, Southport, PT9 0QC from Friday 2nd February to Sunday 4th February 2024. For tickets please visit: southportjazz.co.uk
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