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Get ready to dive into a lively celebration of music and community spirit at the Bristol Jazz Festival! From 21–23 March 2026, Bristol’s historic Tobacco Factory on Raleigh Road (BS3 1TF) will come alive with the sounds of jazz. For three unforgettable days, audiences can immerse themselves in an electrifying mix of world-class performances and up-and-coming local talent. The festival takes over the Factory’s theatres, bars, and outdoor spaces, turning the venue into a buzzing music playground. Whether you’re a devoted jazz enthusiast or a newcomer curious to discover the genre, the Bristol Jazz Festival promises something for everyone.
The program is packed with variety and energy. During the day, the festival offers interactive workshops and family-friendly music sessions – a chance for kids and adults alike to try an instrument or learn some swing steps. As evening falls, international headline acts and local bands hit the stages. You could find yourself tapping your feet to classic swing numbers one moment, and then moving to modern jazz fusion or soulful blues the next. Intimate performances in the cafe and bar areas run side-by-side with grand concerts in the theatre, so you can wander from one space to another and discover surprise jam sessions or improvised performances around every corner.
One of the Bristol Jazz Festival’s greatest strengths is its welcoming community atmosphere. The event has deep roots in Bristol’s creative scene, and it creates a space where jazz lovers of all ages and backgrounds come together. It’s common to see veteran musicians chatting with newcomers over coffee between sets, or families enjoying brunch with a live jazz soundtrack. The friendly vibe extends everywhere – whether you’re sharing a table with strangers who become new friends or clapping along beside generations of jazz fans. Throughout the weekend, local food and drink stalls add to the atmosphere, so you can grab a craft beer or tasty bite and settle in for more music.
The Tobacco Factory itself provides the perfect setting for this musical weekend. Its historic halls and cosy lounges create an intimate, club-like feel even during big performances. Step outside between shows and you’ll find Bristol’s vibrant city life just moments away – from nearby shops and street art to other live music venues and cafes. At night, after main concerts wrap up, the music often continues in late-night jams and club sets at the Factory’s bar, keeping the energy high. By the time Sunday comes, visitors leave with new favorites to play on repeat and memories of a joyous weekend spent dancing and celebrating together.
All in all, Bristol Jazz Festival is a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar. With its welcoming spirit and outstanding lineup of entertainment, the 2026 festival promises to be one of the most engaging yet. Mark your calendar and get ready to experience an unmissable weekend of music – you won’t want to miss the next chapter of this beloved festival.
By air: The two nearest airports are Liverpool John Lennon (about 9 miles from St Helens) and Manchester (about 30 miles away). Both offer easy connections into the region. From Liverpool Airport, travelers can take a local bus or train via Liverpool city center to reach St Helens in about an hour. Manchester Airport has frequent trains into Manchester city; from there you can catch a direct train to St Helens Central station. Shuttle buses and coaches also run between these airports and St Helens.
By train and coach: St Helens is well-connected by rail. Regular Northern trains serve St Helens Central, linking with Liverpool Lime Street (around 30 minutes away) and Manchester Piccadilly (roughly 40 minutes away). The St Helens Junction station on the Liverpool-Manchester line provides additional service. In addition, national coach services (such as National Express and Megabus) stop in St Helens, with routes to major cities like London, Birmingham and Nottingham. Within the town, local buses run frequently from the bus station to nearby suburbs and points of interest.
By road: St Helens is easily reached by car via major motorways. The town lies near junction 23 of the M6 motorway, making it convenient for travelers from the north and south. From Manchester, you can reach St Helens by taking the M62 west or the A580 (East Lancashire Road). From Liverpool, take the M62 east or the M57 south. Follow signs for St Helens town centre on the A570 and A570 New (Rainford By-Pass). There is ample parking in and around the town centre (especially at the train station and public car parks), though spaces can fill up quickly during busy events.
Accommodation: St Helens offers a range of places to stay, from budget-friendly chain hotels to cozy B&Bs. You’ll find familiar names like Premier Inn, Travelodge or Holiday Inn Express in or near town. For more options, nearby cities have plentiful hotels; Liverpool and Manchester are within an easy 30–45 minute train ride and offer a wider choice of accommodations. Regardless of where you stay, it’s wise to book early for popular event dates. Consider looking at guesthouses or serviced apartments too, which can provide a comfortable base and a taste of local hospitality during your visit.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grasmere Court Hotel | 0.8 ml | £71.00 | Book | |
| The Grange Hotel | 0.9 ml | £52.00 | Book | |
| The Manor Lodge Guesthouse | 1.3 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| Kendall Guest House | 1.4 ml | £67.50 | Book | |
| The Beeches Hotel & Conference Centre | 3.0 ml | £68.00 | Book | |
| SummerHouse Bed & Breakfast | 3.4 ml | £100.00 | Book | |
| The Boathouse | 3.6 ml | £89.50 | Book | |
| A4 Hotel | 4.0 ml | £54.00 | Book | |
| Cranleigh | 4.1 ml | £65.19 | Book | |
| Carpenters Arms | 4.1 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| Arnos Manor Hotel | 4.2 ml | £48.30 | Book | |
| Aquae Sulis | 4.3 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
| Weston Lawn | 4.4 ml | £85.00 | Book | |
| The Firs | 4.4 ml | £90.00 | Book | |
| Tracy Park Hotel & Country Club | 4.6 ml | £90.00 | Book |
Raleigh Road, Bristol, BS31TF
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