Liverpool International Jazz Festival 2026 line-up

Liverpool International Jazz Festival returns next month with a line-up of music talent from the UK, Europe and the US.

The annual festival, which began in 2013, will be staged at Liverpool Hope University’s Capstone Theatre between February 26 and March 1.

Stellar jazz musicians and singers set to take part in the 2026 festival include Tim Garland and Geoffrey Keezer, David Helbock and Julia Hofer, Zoe Rahman and Arun Ghosh, Robert Mitchell's Little Black Book, Martin Taylor and the Marius Neset Quartet.

A festival fringe will take place at other city venues with a programme of events, grassroots artists performing and opportunities to play.

And the main festival also coincides with an exhibition of evocative images of contemporary jazz greats by internationally renowned Liverpool-born photographer William Ellis.

This year’s festival opens on February 26 with an appearance from Grammy award-winning musicians Tim Garland (saxophone) and American Geoffrey Keezer (piano), who last year recorded a duet album, Mezzo, in New York.

On February 27, Austrian pianist David Helbock and electric bassist and cellist Julia Hofer join forces for an evening which organisers promise will be “an extraordinary listening experience and a musical journey full of emotions and innovations.”

Milap presents a unique collaboration between two of the brightest stars on the contemporary jazz scene, Zoe Rahman and Arun Ghosh on February 28.

Above: Marius Neset who brings his quartet to the festival.

In the evening, Robert Mitchell’s Little Black Book brings together a trio of exciting players – Mitchell, guitarist Zayn Mohammed and drummer Laurie Lowe.

And on Sunday, March 1, the Capstone hosts two final events. First, award-winning guitarist Martin Taylor – who has collaborated with greats including Stephane Grappelli, Jeff Beck, Gary Burton, Chet Atkins, Bill Wyman, George Harrison and Dionne Warwick – plays an afternoon show.

Then in the evening, the acclaimed Marius Neset Quartet brings the festival to a close.

Meanwhile fringe events take place at Hobo Kiosk in Bridgewater Street, Quarry in Hardman Street and Commune in Constance Street.

Tickets are available for individual events or ‘festival bundles’ can also be purchased.

The Liverpool International Jazz Festival runs from February 26 to March 1. More details and booking HERE