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Step into the pulse of East London’s vibrant jazz scene at Brick Lane Jazz Festival. Over three exciting days (24-26 April 2026), the historic Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane transforms into a hub of soulful music and creative energy. With dozens of live performances, DJ sets, and late-night jam sessions, the festival welcomes music lovers of every stripe to dance and groove to a dynamic mix of jazz, neo-soul, broken beat, hip-hop and more. This friendly, community-minded celebration is perfect for longtime jazz fans and curious newcomers alike, offering a unique chance to discover emerging artists alongside headliners in an unforgettable atmosphere.
Returning for its fifth year, the festival brings a lineup that showcases the best of the UK jazz and underground music scenes. Expect everything from cutting-edge jazz ensembles to spirited hip-hop fusion bands, afrobeat and Latin-tinged groups, and electrifying experimental acts. Each day’s schedule is packed with rising stars and fresh collaborations – often before anyone has heard their music at all – alongside a few familiar faces. The festival’s genre-blending spirit takes you on a journey through classic jazz, soulful R&B, funk, electronic and global rhythms, reflecting the richly multicultural character of East London. In short, there’s something unexpected around every corner, and the diverse programming keeps audiences dancing from afternoon sets into late-night hours.
The setting adds another unforgettable dimension to the experience. The Old Truman Brewery is a reimagined industrial complex right on Brick Lane, filled with airy warehouse halls, historic courtyards and tucked-away performance spaces hosting music all weekend. Around the venue, vibrant Brick Lane unfolds with its famous street art, bustling vintage markets and international food stalls. As you wander through the festival grounds and surrounding streets of Shoreditch and Spitalfields, the creative spirit of East London is all around you. Whether you’re snapping photos under neon murals or grabbing a bite from a corner café, the bold cultural backdrop of Brick Lane makes every moment feel lively and authentic.
More than just a series of concerts, Brick Lane Jazz Festival has a warm, inclusive community spirit. Longtime fans, newcomers and local neighbours mingle together in a joyful atmosphere that feels like a big East End block party. By day people stroll between stages with a coffee or mingle at street-food stalls, and by night every stage pulses with energy as the audience sings and dances along. Whether you spend the afternoon discovering a new trio or dancing late into the night to a DJ set, the festival feels like a shared celebration. Many first-time visitors are struck by how friendly and welcoming everyone is. It really feels like one big community enjoying great music together.
The Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane (postcode E1 6QL) is conveniently located in the heart of East London and is easy to reach by public transport. The closest Underground stations are Aldgate East (District and Hammersmith & City lines) and Liverpool Street (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Elizabeth lines); both are about a 10-15 minute walk away. Shoreditch High Street station (London Overground) is even closer, just a 5-minute stroll. Once you exit the station, a short walk along Brick Lane or through the historic Spitalfields market will bring you right to the venue. Several buses also serve Brick Lane: for example, the 8 (Bow Church - Oxford Circus) and 242 (Tottenham Court Road - Aldgate) buses stop along Brick Lane, linking the neighborhood with central London. If you prefer a taxi or rideshare, drivers know Brick Lane well - just be mindful that London traffic can be busy at peak times.
Visitors coming from outside London will find the journey straightforward. The nearest major rail hub is London Liverpool Street station (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Elizabeth lines), which is only a few minutes' Tube ride or a 15-minute walk from Brick Lane. Stansted Airport has a frequent train service (Stansted Express) to Liverpool Street, and London City Airport can be reached via the DLR and a single Tube change at Bank to Aldgate East. The Heathrow Express runs to Paddington (with Underground connections to the east), and Gatwick Express goes to Victoria (where you can switch to the Tube as well). In short, all London airports link into the Tube network, and once in the city centre you can hop on the District, Hammersmith & City or Circle lines straight to Aldgate East.
If you plan to drive, note that Brick Lane falls within London’s Congestion Charge zone. Street parking is very limited, though there are pay-and-display car parks in nearby Shoreditch and Aldgate. The Truman Brewery itself has only a few designated spaces (mostly for deliveries and disabled parking). For most visitors it’s easier to park outside central London (for example in Zone 2) and take public transport in. If you require disabled parking, it’s best to contact the festival organizers in advance to arrange it.
Accommodation is plentiful around Brick Lane and Shoreditch. The neighborhoods of Shoreditch, Hoxton and Bethnal Green (to the north) and the City around Liverpool Street (to the west) offer a wide range of hotels, hostels and guesthouses. Brick Lane itself has a number of boutique hotels, B&Bs and short-term rentals if you want to stay right on the action. Because this part of London is popular with visitors, it’s a good idea to book early. Staying nearby means the festival, markets, music venues and restaurants are all within easy reach, day and night.
Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
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Secret Hotel - Docklands | 0.4 ml | £280.00 | Book | |
Prince Regent Hotel Excel London | 0.6 ml | £34.98 | Book | |
Canary Heights | 0.7 ml | £32.00 | Book | |
Connaught House Hotel London ExCeL | 0.8 ml | £59.00 | Book | |
Travelodge London Excel | 0.9 ml | £39.00 | Book | |
The Pilot Inn | 1.0 ml | £140.00 | Book | |
Travelodge London City Airport | 1.0 ml | £41.00 | Book | |
Travelodge London Docklands | 1.0 ml | £39.00 | Book | |
Radisson Blu Edwardian New Providence Wharf | 1.1 ml | £125.10 | Book | |
Fraser Place Canary Wharf | 1.4 ml | £107.10 | Book | |
Zen Apartments - Meridian Place | 1.6 ml | £99.00 | Book | |
Britannia International Hotel Canary Wharf | 1.7 ml | £52.00 | Book | |
West Ham United Hotel | 1.7 ml | £108.00 | Book | |
The Central Hotel | 1.8 ml | £29.00 | Book | |
The Pelton Arms | 1.8 ml | £80.00 | Book |
The Old Truman Brewery, 89 Brick Lane, E16QL