First Names Announced For Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2018

Festival Crowd Header

Kamasi Washington, Randy Crawford, Beth Hart, And Donny McCaslin Amongst First Names Announced For Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2018

Musical heavyweights from across the jazz, soul and blues spectrum will once again descend on the Regency Cotswolds town of Cheltenham for the 2018 Cheltenham Jazz Festival. With the full programme still to be announced, the organisers have revealed the first wave of artists for next year’s event, which will feature a combination of international stars, jazz icons and up and coming talent.

Taking place from May 2nd to 7th, Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2018 will welcome former David Bowie saxophonist Donny McCaslin for his only UK date in Spring 2018, revered US pianist Jason Moran and his Bandwagon trio, and Mercury-nominated London-based jazz outfit Dinosaur, with new music from their highly anticipated second album Wonder Trail.

These names join revered soul singer Randy Crawford in an exclusive UK show, spiritual jazz frontrunner Kamasi Washington, the first ever UK performance from four-time Grammy-winning double bass luminary Christian McBride’s Big Band, and Grammy-nominated blues/rock singer-songwriter Beth Hart, who is set to captivate audiences with her new jazz-infused album Fire on the Floor.

Cheltenham Jazz Festival is hosted in a tented festival village in the town centre’s picturesque Montpellier Gardens, featuring a Big Top stage, Jazz Arena, Free Stage, and a food, drink and market area, as well as participating venues including the Town Hall, Parabola Arts Centre, Hotel du Vin and the Daffodil, a dynamic free fringe line-up, Family programme, and late night events around the town. 

Published on 01 December 2017 by UKFG

Recent News More news

  • Beat-Herder Festival Unveils Spectacular Line-Up for 2026 Edition

    Beat-Herder Festival, known for its unique DIY spirit and immersive experiences, marks its 21st year with a stellar line-up featuring Faithless, Wilkinson, Sigma, and more. Dive into the details of the festival and what attendees can expect across its diverse stages and performances.

  • Iconic Names Join Line Up For 10th Edition of Magical Family Festival

    Gloworm Festival marks its milestone 10th year with a stellar lineup featuring iconic names like SpongeBob SquarePants and Nick Cope, alongside a plethora of new attractions and experiences, promising an unforgettable weekend for families at Thoresby Park.

  • Somerset House Summer Series 2026 Line-Up Unveiled with American Expr

    The Somerset House Summer Series 2026, in partnership with American Express, has revealed a stellar lineup of diverse and talented artists set to perform in the iconic courtyard this July. From breakthrough sensations to seasoned legends, the festival promises an unforgettable musical journey for at

  • Dot To Dot Festival 2026 Unveils Exciting Second Wave Line-Up

    Dot To Dot Festival reveals an impressive second wave of acts for its 2026 edition, featuring renowned artists like Mandy, Indiana, Ratboys, Lucia & The Best Boys, and more. The festival, known for showcasing emerging talent, is set to take place across late May in Bristol and Nottingham

Upcoming Festivals Browse all

  • Immersed Festival

    07 March 2026

    Immersed Festival 2026 Join Immersed Festival on Saturday 7th March 2026 at the Tramshed on Clare Road, Cardiff, Glamorgan. This one-day event celebrates creativity across music, film, art, fashion, ...

  • Aberdeen Jazz Festival

    12 March - 22 March 2026

    Aberdeen Jazz Festival 2026 From 12 to 22 March 2026, Aberdeen Jazz Festival returns to Lanarkshire, Scotland, offering ten days of live jazz across the city’s cafes, pubs, and concert halls. Set aga...

  • C2C: Country to Country

    13 March - 15 March 2026

    C2C: Country to Country 2026 Taking place from 13–15 March 2026, C2C: Country to Country returns to various UK cities for a three-night celebration of country music across London, Glasgow, and ...