Bristol Jazz Festival

Bristol Jazz Festival 2026

From 21–23 March 2026, the Bristol Jazz Festival returns to the Tobacco Factory on Raleigh Road, Bristol. This three-day event showcases jazz performances across the venue’s theatres, bars, and outdoor spaces.

Music

Experience a diverse programme featuring international headline acts, local bands, and intimate jam sessions. Styles range from classic swing to modern jazz fusion and soulful blues, with performances throughout the day and evening.

Workshops & Family Activities

The festival offers interactive workshops and family-friendly music sessions, inviting all ages to try instruments and learn swing dance moves.

Atmosphere & Community

Set within the historic Tobacco Factory, the festival fosters a welcoming community spirit where jazz fans of all ages gather. Local food and drink stalls add to the lively atmosphere, alongside late-night jams and club sets.

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.