Glasgow Jazz Festival swings through its landmark 40th edition

Glasgow Jazz Festival, the city's longest running festival, celebrated its 40th edition in June 2026 with five days of live music across Glasgow. From Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 June, around 220 musicians played more than 40 performances in almost 20 venues.

The festival marked four decades with a celebration of the past, present and future of jazz. With 175 Scottish musicians performing and 63% of acts featuring at least one female or gender-marginalised artist, it put homegrown talent and gender equity at the heart of the programme.

Italian soul-jazz star Mario Biondi opened the festival at St Luke's, while Roan Anderson, winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician 2025 award, played Drygate with his band Tao. Saxophonist Courtney Pine headlined, and guitarist Martin Taylor, who performed at the very first festival in 1987, returned for a special show at Oran Mor.

The festival also went back to its spiritual home, the Old Fruitmarket, for two big nights. A Homegrown Showcase featured SAY Award winners Kai Reesu, nu-jazz vocalist Gaia, Glasgow artist Pippa Blundell and Sekoya, and the New Jazzwegians project celebrated musicians who have made Glasgow their home. Trumpeter Colin Steele, another alumnus of the first edition, played two sold-out shows marking the centenary of Miles Davis.

Other highlights included Mercury-nominated pianist Fergus McCreadie, vocalist Marianne MacGregor and Australian multi-instrumentalist Audrey Powne. Venues ranged from The Glad Cafe, The Rum Shack and Nice N Sleazy to the Mackintosh Church and Street Level Photoworks.

Festival director Jill Rodger said it was a wonderful feeling to have 40 editions under the festival's belt, describing 2026 as a resounding win. The past, present and future of the city's jazz scene were lovingly celebrated, she said, and she thanked the audiences who came out to support the gigs and artists.

The festival was supported by Creative Scotland and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Festival Fund, along with sponsors Second Line Records, SM Lighting Scotland and ESP Music Rentals.

Glasgow Jazz Festival will return in June 2027. News and programme announcements will be published at jazzfest.co.uk.