EFG London Jazz Festival

About EFG London Jazz Festival

Created by Serious in 1992, EFG London Jazz Festival 2026 runs at Southbank Centre, London as a jazz and improvised-music festival. The scale is citywide. The festival says it brings over 100,000 audience members into 300+ live shows across London, from basement jazz bars to major concert halls.

The first edition launched at Union Chapel on 14 May 1993. Southbank Centre’s 2026 festival listing runs from Fri 13 Nov to Sun 22 Nov 2026, and the festival marked its 30th year in 2022.

Lineup and Programme

Announced acts include Goldie, Rita Wilson, Mariza, Ben Folds, Kronos Quartet, Vangelis, Cécile McLorin Salvant and Samara Joy. Southbank Centre dates run across Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room.

Jazz Voice takes the opening-gala slot. The programme also includes live jazz gigs, featured performances and orchestra-backed crossover shows.

Who Is It For?

The bill leans toward jazz, improvised music and jazz-inspired sounds, with some Southbank Centre events crossing into jazz-adjacent styles. The audience is a broad jazz and live-music crowd, with global and homegrown talent alongside emerging artists.

Age guidance varies by event. Announced 2026 Southbank Centre festival events are listed as ages 7+, with under-12s accompanied by an adult on site.

The Venue and Site

Southbank Centre’s festival site is at Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX, with Southbank Centre Square used for bicycle parking. Royal Festival Hall has a cloakroom.

Accessible toilets and step-free access run across Southbank Centre spaces. Cafes, bars and restaurants trade on site, alongside a food market and wider food-and-drink options. Baby changing facilities are available.

Getting There

Southbank Centre sits on Belvedere Road in London SE1, close to Waterloo and the river crossings around Waterloo Bridge.

• Nearest stations: Waterloo is approximately 200 metres away. Embankment is approximately 600 metres away, with Waterloo East, Blackfriars and Charing Cross also listed for access.
• Road access: Belvedere Road has westbound traffic closed; access is via Chicheley Street turning east onto Belvedere Road. Other listed access points include Waterloo Bridge, York Road, Queen Elizabeth Hall slip road and Upper Ground Slip Road off Waterloo Road.
• Parking: Parking is very limited. Southbank Centre has four free Blue Badge spaces on the Queen Elizabeth Hall slip road, and Blue Badge holders can also use the National Theatre car park for free.
• Cycling: Bicycle parking is available in Southbank Centre Square.