LATEST LISTINGS:

Liverpool

Liverpool International Jazz Festival

Thursday 26 February – Sunday 01 March 20

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)

More Liverpool Listings MORE

Liverpool Saturday 19th September - Saturday 10th October 2026

DEATH OF A SALESMAN

Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman is reimagined for Liverpool by acclaimed British-Ghanaian theatre-maker Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu in a…

Liverpool Saturday 10th October 2026

Ibibio Sound Machine + Ziyad Al-samman

British-Nigerian frontwoman Eno Williams brings the electrifying Ibibio Sound Machine to Birkenhead for an October performance at Future…