The Liverpool International Jazz Festival returns to The Capstone Theatre, bringing cutting-edge jazz from around the world to Merseyside. The festival has a long history of showcasing the evolution of jazz—honouring its roots in Black American culture whilst exploring its modern global interpretations.
The 2026 programme includes performances that span Afro-jazz, fusion, and contemporary soul. Highlights for this year include unique collaborations between international stars and local talent, emphasising the universal language of improvisation. The festival provides a vibrant platform for both the history of the genre and its future innovators.
Set in the acoustically superb Capstone Theatre, this is a serious musical event for true aficionados. A sophisticated cultural highlight, the festival celebrates the technical brilliance and emotional depth of jazz.
2026 Festival Programme
Thursday 26 February
6:00pm | Exhibition Launch: “Song For My Father” (Theatre Foyer)
The official launch of William Ellis’s jazz photography exhibition, capturing intimate moments with legends such as Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. Free Admission.
7:30pm | Tim Garland and Geoffrey Keezer
Two Grammy-winning musicians join forces. UK saxophonist Tim Garland and US pianist Geoffrey Keezer perform tracks from their new duet album Mezzo, blending virtuosic improvisation with lyrical beauty.
Friday 27 February
7:30pm | David Helbock & Julia Hofer
An Austrian duo offering a fascinating blend of dreamy compositions and groovy jazz. Featuring Helbock on piano/electronics and Hofer on cello/bass, they present music from their latest ACT Music release, Faces of Night.
Saturday 28 February
1:00pm | Zoe Rahman and Arun Ghosh (Presented with Milap)
A unique collaboration between two of the UK’s brightest jazz stars. Pianist Zoe Rahman and clarinettist Arun Ghosh fuse jazz, folk, and South Asian influences in a performance of deep musicality and spirit.
7:30pm | Robert Mitchell’s Little Black Book
A power trio drawing inspiration from Chick Corea, Jimi Hendrix, and Cecil Taylor. Robert Mitchell (keys) is joined by Zayn Mohammed (guitar) and Laurie Lowe (drums) for a set of psychedelic, bluesy fusion.
Sunday 01 March
1:00pm | Martin Taylor
The world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar. An intimate afternoon with a true guitar innovator whose career includes collaborations with Stephane Grappelli and Jeff Beck.
7:30pm | Marius Neset Quartet
The festival finale features the explosive Norwegian saxophonist Marius Neset. Known for his technical brilliance and high-energy performances, Neset is one of the most exciting voices in European jazz today.
Fringe Events
A series of grassroots events taking place across Liverpool parallel to the main festival.
- Thu 26 Feb: Art Jazz Improv @ Hobo Kiosk (8pm)
- Fri 27 Feb: Mutant Jazz #9 @ Quarry (8pm)
- Sat 28 Feb: Jazz and Cake @ Commune (4pm) | Secret Jazz Explosion @ Quarry (8pm)
- Sun 01 Mar: LIJF Fringe Closing Party @ Quarry (8pm)
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