| , Various Locations Edinburgh | |
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| Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival Website | |
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Edinburgh Jazz Festival was set up in 1978 by banjo-player and guitarist, Mike Hart. Mike's initial focus was on traditional jazz and a host of events taking place for free admission in pubs. By the mid-80's the Festival had added ticketed events, and had broadened its musical policy to encompass swing and mainstream jazz and occasionally some more modern groups.
From the Festival's commencement the artistic policy has been to concentrate on musical excellence (rather than the "star system") and to champion spontaneous creativity: music making on the spot in Edinburgh. These virtues have been developed in the 21st Century with the production of a wide range of new music, the establishment of the Edinburgh Jazz Festival Orchestra, and an on-going commitment to supporting Scottish musicians to realise creative ideas, and to link with international musicians. Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival has also grown its world outlook, presenting high quality musicians from all over the world.
The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival returns from 17th to 26th July 2026, presenting a programme that spans the entire history of the music from ragtime to modern jazz to Chicago blues and beyond.
READ MOREExperience an unforgettable night of world-class music as Jools Holland and his renowned Rhythm & Blues Orchestra take over Usher Hall for the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival!
READ MOREThe Edinburgh International Film Festival will return from 13th to 19th August 2026 at the very heart of Edinburgh's festival season.
READ MOREThe Edinburgh International Book Festival began in 1983 and is now a key event in the August Festival season.
READ MOREAudacious Women Festival encourages and empowers women to break personal, political, institutional barriers, and celebrates inspirational women.
READ MOREIn April 2026, join us for a musical journey through Europe with the second edition of the Baroque Music Festival!
READ MOREThe Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics takes place in August, with a three-day programme of over 30 events, taking place in the home of Scottish politics at Holyrood.
READ MOREThe first full Leith Comedy Festival will take place in popular live venues and community hubs across Leith this October.
READ MORECymera is Scotland's Festival of Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Writing and it returns to Edinburgh from 6th to 8th June.
READ MOREEdinburgh’s Hogmanay is back to celebrate the end of 2025 and the new year with an unforgettable experience for Edinburgh and beyond.
READ MORECurious is the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s annual festival of knowledge – a free, open-to-all celebration of ideas, discovery, and conversation.
READ MOREFounded in 2004, Edinburgh Art Festival works with local and international partners to present an ambitious and meaningful programme of exhibitions, events and projects across the city.
READ MOREWelcome to BedFest 2025. Strap in and snuggle up, it’s the Bedlam Festival: Cosy Style.
READ MOREEdinburgh's Festival of Migration, celebrating the vibrant cultural diversity of our city and our neighbours!
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