What is the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival?
For over 40 years the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival has provided a platform to showcase the very best jazz and blues artists that the world has to offer.
Held over 10 days and with more than 130 performances a year, the Edinburgh Jazz &Blues Festival is one of the largest jazz festivals in Europe and creates moving and memorable experiences for the 70,000 people who attend each year.
In 2024, the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival will take place from 12 to 21 July. The festival will welcome some of Scotland's, the UK's and the world's finest jazz and blues artists to the city for unique, head-bopping, toe-tapping performances. From blues-rock to samba and swing, there’s something to suit everyone.
The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival takes place in venues across the city of Edinburgh, from concert halls and nightclubs to the city’s Festival Theatre. The festival’s Mardi Gras takes place in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town where you can enjoy a mix of soul and brass band music.
2024 is welcoming back some of Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival’s best loved artists.
The festival is sure to be another incredible event packed with the very best music from at home and abroad.
Find out more about what’s on at the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival.
What is the history of the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival?
The festival was founded in 1978 by Edinburgh guitarist and banjo player Mike Hart.
Originally, the festival featured traditional jazz performances played in Edinburgh’s pubs, and it slowly evolved to feature a more diverse range of styles, including the introduction of blues.
The free Mardi Gras and Carnival events have given the festival even wider appeal, and although the festival now attracts major international jazz names from all over the world, it remains true to its ongoing commitment to supporting Scottish acts.
The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival also helps to develop young artists by supporting their careers as they progress towards the international stage.
Find out more on the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival YouTube channel.
Intrigued by what Edinburgh has to offer? Explore the city's summer festivals with us this year.
Visit the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival website.