Liverpool International Jazz Festival
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Get ready for a celebration of jazz in the heart of Liverpool! The Liverpool International Jazz Festival is a lively four-day festival that welcomes anyone who loves music. Established in 2013 by Liverpool Hope University, the festival returns to the city for 2026, taking place from 19-22 February at the historic Capstone Theatre on the university’s creative campus. This winter gathering brings world-class jazz to life in an intimate city setting.
In recent years, the festival has offered a global showcase of jazz talent. Audiences can expect a broad lineup of performances spanning many styles of contemporary instrumental jazz, from swinging big-band numbers and soulful saxophone quartets to innovative contemporary ensembles. The program often includes a mix of ticketed evening concerts and daytime sessions, and even some free community events. Flexible ticket packages make it easy to enjoy as much music as you like: you can pick a few favorite concerts or grab a full festival pass to immerse yourself in all four days of jazz. In short, the festival offers something for every jazz fan, no matter your taste or budget.
The venue itself adds to the experience. The Capstone Theatre offers excellent acoustics and a cozy atmosphere that makes every performance special. Situated on the creative campus of Liverpool Hope University, it’s surrounded by lively common areas and a café where people gather between sets. Many attendees say the festival feels like a friendly community event, where students, artists and fans mingle freely, sharing their passion for jazz in a relaxed environment.
Liverpool’s vibrant cultural life is right on your doorstep. After the shows, festival-goers often explore the city’s attractions, from the famous Albert Dock and art galleries to live music in local pubs or a stroll along the waterfront. The city’s rich musical heritage and creative energy make it the perfect backdrop for a jazz festival. Experiencing jazz here means soaking in that spirit: you might hear a beautiful solo in a concert hall and then catch street musicians echoing classic tunes in the streets. It’s a special kind of adventure.
As one of Liverpool’s flagship music events, this festival promises memories as warm and lively as the tunes themselves. Whether you’re a devoted jazz aficionado or just looking for something new and uplifting, mark your calendar now. Secure your tickets early, as four days of unforgettable music and friendly vibes await at the Capstone Theatre. The Liverpool International Jazz Festival is more than a series of concerts; it’s a celebration of creativity and community under the city’s storied skies.
Liverpool is easy to reach by public transport. Liverpool Lime Street and Central stations welcome trains from across the UK. For example, direct trains from London take around 2.5 hours, and services from Manchester arrive in under an hour. Once in Liverpool, the Capstone Theatre at the university campus is only a short taxi or bus ride from either station. Visitors from nearby towns also have it covered: from St Helens (about 15 miles east of Liverpool), regular Northern trains take roughly 30-40 minutes to reach Liverpool Lime Street, and local buses also run between St Helens and Liverpool city centre.
For air travel, the nearest airport is Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), about 7 miles south of the city centre. A regular bus service (for example, the 86A) connects the airport to central Liverpool in around 30 minutes, or a quick taxi ride can take you downtown. Manchester Airport (MAN) is also nearby, roughly a 45-minute drive or about 1 hour by train from Liverpool. Trains run directly from Manchester Airport station to Liverpool Lime Street, and National Express coaches connect Manchester Airport to Liverpool city centre as well. Once in the city, local buses and trains make it simple to reach the Capstone campus.
If you’re driving, Liverpool is accessible via the motorway network. You can approach via the M62 (from Manchester or the east) or the M6 (from the south and west). Follow signs to Liverpool city centre and then look for directions to Liverpool Hope University’s creative campus. The Capstone Theatre is in the Everton area, just minutes from central roads. Note that parking near the campus is limited; you might choose to use a city car park or a park-and-ride lot on the outskirts, then taxi or bus to the venue. For example, visitors driving from St Helens should take the M62 westbound into Liverpool and allow extra time for traffic. Parking apps or websites can help you find available spots near the campus if you plan to drive.
Liverpool offers many accommodation options. Staying in the city centre (around the Albert Dock, Queen Square or Hope Street areas) puts you close to both the festival venue and city attractions. For budget-friendly stays, consider hotels or B&Bs just outside the immediate centre. Nearby towns like St Helens, Southport or Preston have chain hotels at lower rates and still allow easy travel into Liverpool. (For example, St Helens is only about a 30-minute train ride from Liverpool.) Wherever you stay, book early as February events can fill rooms fast. And pack warm layers and a waterproof coat — Liverpool weather in winter can be unpredictable, so being prepared will keep you comfortable as you travel around.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
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| Beech Mount Hotel | 0.3 ml | £40.00 | Book | |
| The Devonshire House Hotel | 0.4 ml | £35.00 | Book | |
| Castle Lodge Guest House | 0.5 ml | £25.00 | Book | |
| Sheil Suites | 0.7 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| The Old Dairy | 0.9 ml | £35.00 | Book | |
| Hope Street Hotel | 1.0 ml | £90.00 | Book | |
| BW Hallmark Hotel Liverpool Feathers | 1.0 ml | £39.00 | Book | |
| The Liner at Liverpool | 1.0 ml | £54.00 | Book | |
| Cocoon International Inn | 1.0 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| Arinza Apartments | 1.0 ml | £43.00 | Book | |
| Aachen Hotel | 1.1 ml | £30.00 | Book | |
| Hatters Liverpool | 1.1 ml | £11.00 | Book | |
| Britannia Adelphi Hotel City Centre | 1.2 ml | £42.00 | Book | |
| Trafalgar Warehouse Apartments | 1.2 ml | £200.00 | Book | |
| Printworks Hotel | 1.2 ml | £32.00 | Book |
17 Shaw Street, Liverpool, L61HP
