Isle of Wight Jazz Weekend

The Isle of Wight's annual jazz festival, now in its 13th year. The event brings the very best of the UK jazz scene to the Island for an intensive few days of top class music, using venues in and around Newport. 

The event is popular with many jazz fans and visitors from the mainland, many of whom have commented upon the friendly and informal nature of the event, which is organised and run by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis. The festival is now regarded as one of the best small jazz events on the calendar. In previous years, it has hosted Stacey Kent, the BBC Big Band, Liane Carroll, Ian Shaw and a host of top musicians, alongside the best of the Island's own vibrant jazz scene. 

The 2025 Line-Up has been announced... Expert saxophonist, Derek Nash returns for 2025, performing a couple of guest spots, leading a saxophone workshop, as well as bringing his Sax Appeal band to Newport Minster. Debuting on the Island, Clark Tracey, the legendary drummer and bandleader, will bring his “Jazz Champions” to the Island including Art Themen, Dave Newton and Simon Allen. Also on Saturday there will be rising star vocalist, Immy Churchill with her quartet from London, and traditional jazz saxophonist/clarinetist Amy Roberts guesting with the Unity Stompers. 

The festival begins on Thursday 25th with locals “Mixed Messages” featuring Olivia Cure and Jon Thorne, playing at Mountbatten Hospice. On the Friday, there is a visit from James Allsopp and his Stan Getz tribute quartet, followed by another favourite – Liane Carroll performing a solo piano/vocals concert. 

The Friday ends at the Quay Arts Centre with gigs both upstairs and downstairs – Latin jazz downstairs with Derek Nash as special guest, and gypsy jazz upstairs with the “Fidelio Hot Club” featuring Sol Grimshaw, a musician with Island roots.

The final day of the festival on Sunday 28 September will see a special visit from jazz piano maestro Craig Milverton, performing a quartet concert dedicated to Oscar Peterson who would have been 100 this year. One of the most popular gigs from 2023 was the Nigel Price Organ Trio, and they return on Sunday afternoon. 

The festival ends with the first ever visit to the Island’s Jazz Weekend, by Clare Teal and her quintet. Clare is one of the best known figures in UK jazz and is also well known for her broadcasting on Radio 2 and Jazz FM. Her concert at the Minster will be a fitting end to one of the UK’s most popular jazz festivals.

Stay up to date by visiting the Isle of Wight Jazz Weekend website.