Aberdeen Jazz Festival
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Aberdeen Jazz Festival returns for ten thrilling days of music from 12 to 22 March 2026, transforming the Granite City into a playground of rhythm and melody. Nestled on Scotland's North Sea coast, Aberdeen's gleaming granite architecture provides a stunning backdrop to this musical celebration. Whether you're a long-time jazz lover or picking up a tune for the first time, this friendly festival welcomes everyone with open arms. During the event, cafes, pubs, and concert halls across the city will echo with soulful saxophones, vibrant pianos, mellow trumpets, and rhythmic drums. Wander from venue to venue, experiencing the pulse of swinging big bands one moment and intimate solo performers the next. Each night brings something new - enjoy a celebrated headliner in a grand theatre, then step into a cosy lounge for late-night jam sessions with local and visiting musicians. Aberdeen's jazz community is bursting with energy and hospitality, making every concert feel like a personal invitation to join the fun.
The festival program is packed with a thrilling variety of jazz styles and venues. During the day you might enjoy a laid-back brunch performance in a bright cafe; in the evening, grand concerts and energizing club nights take over the town. Imagine grooving to a swinging big band in the historic Music Hall or swaying to a smooth jazz trio in a cosy club. It's common to see talented local youth ensembles sharing the stage with jazz greats from abroad, and everything from classic bebop and blues to Latin-infused and modern fusion grooves could be on the bill. Many artists surprise audiences with special guest performances and impromptu collaborations - no two nights are the same. The result is a schedule brimming with musical adventures that suit every jazz taste and mood.
For those eager to experience jazz up close, the festival offers more than just concerts. Throughout the ten days, talented instructors host workshops and masterclasses in venues around town, offering tips for students of all ages and backgrounds. Even young kids can get involved: special family shows and interactive sessions invite children to clap along or try simple percussion. After dark, the friendly vibe spills over into laid-back jam sessions at neighborhood bars, where local and visiting musicians take turns on stage. These informal gigs (often popping up in unexpected places like patios and street corners) turn the whole city into a musical playground, where anyone can tap a rhythm or join the band just for the fun of it.
Aberdeen itself adds its own charm to the festival experience. Known as the Granite City for its stately stone buildings, the city offers lovely streets and parks (like Union Terrace Gardens) as bonus venues between shows. You might step outside a concert to catch a street musician playing jazz near the waterfront, or meet friends at a local brewery or cafe enjoying the buzz. Even if the March air is crisp, the welcoming locals (and maybe a warm cup of coffee) will keep you smiling. Everywhere you go, Aberdeen's rich history and friendly atmosphere blend with the music to create a truly memorable backdrop for this celebration.
Ready to let the music move you? The Aberdeen Jazz Festival is a unique celebration of community and creativity. Each year it brings together music lovers for ten days of live performance and fun. Whether you're a devoted jazz fan or simply looking for a great night out, this festival has something to inspire you. Mark your calendar and join friendly crowds in Aberdeen's venues, from cosy basement clubs to grand theatres, for an unforgettable musical adventure. By the time the final encore fades, you'll have new favorite tunes, memories, and perhaps a few new friends to bring home. Don't miss your chance to be part of the excitement - this festival is more than an event, it's an experience you'll remember for years to come!
Reaching Aberdeen is straightforward, even if you're traveling from far afield (say, from St. Helens in the northwest or London in the south). The city's own Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) has regular flights from major hubs like London (Heathrow, City), Dublin, and Amsterdam, as well as domestic routes by carriers such as British Airways, Loganair, and easyJet. From the airport it's only a short taxi or shuttle-bus ride to the city centre (around 10-15 minutes). Aberdeen's main railway station is in the city centre at Union Square, with frequent trains connecting to Edinburgh (about 2.5 hours) and Glasgow. You can even take the overnight Caledonian Sleeper train from London, arriving in Aberdeen refreshed the next morning. Local buses and taxis at the station will carry you the rest of the way as needed.
Aberdeen is also well connected by road. Drivers from England usually take the M6 north (or the A1/M1 north to the M6) through Carlisle and into Scotland on the M74/A74(M). From the central belt you then follow the A90 eastward into Aberdeen. For example, if you're driving up from St. Helens or Liverpool, you'd stay on the M6 all the way to Carlisle, then continue on the M74/A74 into Scotland before joining the A90 toward Aberdeen. Travelers coming from northern Scotland can take the A9 (from Inverness) or the A96 (from Perth) down into the city. Keep in mind that parking downtown is limited, especially during events; many visitors opt to park at a park-and-ride on the outskirts of town, then use a local bus or taxi for the final stretch.
Accommodation in Aberdeen ranges from modern hotels to cosy bed-and-breakfasts and self-catering apartments. If you want to stay close to the action, book a hotel or guesthouse in the city centre (around Union Square, Rosemount, or the Castlegate), where most venues, shops, and restaurants are within easy walking distance. For a quieter or more budget-friendly stay, consider lodgings in neighborhoods just outside downtown. You'll often find better rates there. Wherever you stay, be sure to book early, as rooms fill up fast during the festival. Aberdeen's reliable bus network and plentiful taxis will help you reach the concert venues each day with ease.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Park Hotel | 2.2 ml | £25.00 | Book | |
| Alba Hostel Glasgow | 2.2 ml | £15.00 | Book | |
| Travelodge Glasgow Braehead | 2.2 ml | £34.00 | Book | |
| Glasgow Pond Hotel | 2.6 ml | £45.60 | Book | |
| The White House Apartments | 2.7 ml | £68.00 | Book | |
| The Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel | 2.7 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
| Normandy Hotel Glasgow Airport | 2.8 ml | £46.80 | Book | |
| The Belhaven West End | 3.2 ml | £33.00 | Book | |
| Glynhill Leisure Hotel & Spa | 3.2 ml | £70.00 | Book | |
| Ambassador Hotel | 3.5 ml | £40.00 | Book | |
| Embassy Apartments | 3.5 ml | £41.00 | Book | |
| Village Hotel Glasgow | 3.5 ml | £49.00 | Book | |
| Clifton Hotel | 3.6 ml | £33.00 | Book | |
| Kelvin Hotel West End | 3.6 ml | £31.00 | Book | |
| Secret Hotel - Near Glasgow | 3.6 ml | £102.00 | Book |
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, G15HZ
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