Jazz returns to Swansea this September 4–7 as the Swansea International Jazz Festival grooves into town with top UK and international talent.
Organised by Swansea Council, the festival will once again transform the city into a hub of jazz excellence, celebrating music, culture, and community.
The festival opens on Thursday 4 September with a special show by Pete Long & Simon Spillett's Jazz Scurriers at Cu Mumbles.
From Friday through to Sunday, the National Waterfront Museum will host a dynamic programme, featuring acclaimed artists such as Paul Booth Quartet; Triple H Horns featuring Mo Pleasure, Kedma Macias, and Wayne Hernandez; London Django Collective; and the Power of Gower Festival Big Band.
Legendary multi-instrumentalist and former musical director for Earth, Wind & Fire, Mo Pleasure, has collaborated with icons including Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, and Roberta Flack.
Also in the line-up is the Joe Webb Trio, who have earned a stellar reputation for their ability to blend the old and the new, captivating audiences with every note. Born and raised in Neath, Joe Webb moved to London in 2013 where he's established himself as a 'rockstar' of the jazz world, fusing the elegance of traditional jazz with the bold spirit of 90s Brit-pop and the rich textures of his Welsh heritage.
The festival will close with a spectacular tribute show, The Wonder of Stevie, celebrating the music of Stevie Wonder.
Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration, Events and Tourism at Swansea Council, Councillor Robert Francis-Davies, said: "Swansea International Jazz Festival is a shining example of how culture and creativity continue to thrive in our city. It brings together local talent and international stars, energising our waterfront and city centre with the exciting spirit of jazz.
"We're proud to support events like this that not only entertain but also contribute to Swansea's growing reputation as a vibrant cultural destination."
A highlight of the 2025 programme is the return of the Copper Jack Jazz Cruises; a unique opportunity to enjoy live jazz aboard Swansea's iconic riverboat, as it sails along the River Tawe. These intimate performances offer a truly unique and atmospheric way to experience the music.
Also returning is the popular Stroller Programme, featuring over 30 free gigs across city centre venues, pubs, and cafes. This community-focused strand of the festival brings jazz to the streets, showcasing emerging talent and local favourites in an accessible and welcoming format.
With a mix of ticketed headline shows, free community performances, and unique experiences like the jazz cruises, the festival offers something for everyone, from seasoned jazz lovers to curious newcomers.
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*All tickets are subject to a 5% booking fee.
Long & Spillet Jazz Scurriers
4 Sept, 8pm – CU, Mumbles
Saxophone titans Simon Spillett and Peter Long pay thrilling tribute to the Jazz Couriers, joined by a powerhouse rhythm section.
Paul Booth Quartet
5 Sept, 6.15pm – National Waterfront Museum Swansea
Renowned saxophonist Paul Booth joins his powerhouse quartet for an unforgettable evening of soulful, sophisticated, and high-energy jazz.
Triple H Horns featuring Mo Pleasure, Kedma Cacias, & Wayne Hernadez
London Django Collective
6 Sept, 12:45pm National Waterfront Museum Swansea
Celebrate Django Reinhardt’s legacy as the London Django Collective brings his timeless jazz to life with flair and finesse.
Five Way Split
6 Sept, 3:30pm National Waterfront Museum Swansea
Catch Five-Way Split, a standout new band featuring some of the finest contemporary bebop musicians, live at this year’s festival.
Joe Webb Trio
6 Sept, 6.15pm National Waterfront Museum Swansea
Experience genre-defying brilliance as Neath-born piano star Joe Webb, a regular at Ronnie Scott’s, brings his electrifying trio to the festival stage.
Spice Fusion
6 Sept, 8:30pm National Waterfront Museum Swansea
Join Simon Niblock and Elliott Henshaw as they bring their dynamic project, Spice Fusion to Swansea – a vibrant collision of jazz, funk, and fusion brilliance.
Will Barnes Quartet
7 Sept, 1:30pm National Waterfront Museum Swansea
The Will Barnes Quartet, a tight-knit group of seasoned jazz players, delivers laid-back swing laced with bursts of fiery, precision-crafted energy.
Power of Gower Festival Big Band
7 Sept, 4pm National Waterfront Museum Swansea
Dave Cottle leads top South Wales jazz talent in a high-energy big band set, featuring swing classics and vocals from Sarah Meek.
Tango Jazz Quartet
7 Sept, 6:15pm National Waterfront Museum Swansea
Join Tango Jazz Quartet for a spellbinding performance that fuses the fiery soul of Argentinian tango with the rich improvisation of jazz.
Wonder of Stevie
7 Sept, 8:30pm National Waterfront Museum Swansea
Celebrate the timeless magic of Stevie Wonder with The Wonder of Stevie, a joyful tribute to one of music’s greatest icons, featuring Noel McCala and Derek Nash.
Copper Jack River Cruise
Hop aboard the Copper Jack for a relaxing River Tawe cruise with live jazz, a full bar, and onboard refreshments.
5 Sept, 2.30pm: Ellie Jones Duo
6 Sept, 2.30pm: The Cottle Brothers & Sarah Meek
7 Sept, 2.30pm: Afternoon in Paris
Stroller Programme
Friday 5th September
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4pm: Sarah Meek with Dave Cottle Trio – Morgans (Ballroom)
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4.30pm: Chris Keys & Luke Williams Duo – Queens Hotel
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4.30pm: Ray ‘Taff’ Williams ‘Stringfellows’ Band – The Pump House
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5pm: Calathia – The Swigg
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5.30pm: Jack Mac’s Funk Pack – The River House
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8pm: The Buzzcuts – The Swigg
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10:15pm: Late Jazz Jam Session hosted by Dave Cottle – The Swigg
Saturday 6th September
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12pm: Bridgend Big Band - Museum Park
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2pm: The Funk Cartel – The River House
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2pm: Ray ‘Taff’ Williams ‘Stringfellows’ Band - Amphitheatre
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3pm: Geoff Eales Trio - Altitude 28
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3pm: The Albino Frog – The Cross Keys
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3.30pm: Donnie Joe’s ‘American Swing’ – Queens Hotel
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4pm: Morriston Big Band – Museum Park
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4pm: Georgia Furlong with Richard West Trio – Morgans (The Georgian)
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4.30pm: John Paul Gard 3Play ‘Smooth Organ Trio’ – The Swigg
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5pm: Afternoon in Paris – The Pump House
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5.30pm: The Royal Scam – Amphitheatre
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6pm: Chris Keys & Half Moon Duo – Altitude 28
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8pm: Li Harding with Gary Phillips Band – The Swigg
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8pm: The Buzzcuts – The River House
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10.15pm: Late Jazz Jam Session hosted by Dave Cottle – The Swigg
Sunday 7th September
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12pm: Constellation Big Band – Museum Park
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1.30pm: Chris Keys Band – The River House
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2pm: Siglo Section Big Band – Amphitheatre
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2.30pm: Donnie Joe’s ‘American Swing’ – The Swigg
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3pm: Keith Little’s Hot Five – Altitude 28
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3pm: Trunk of Funk – The Cross Keys
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3.30pm: Sarah & The Creepy Uncles – Queens Hotel
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4pm: Ichtis & Agnes (Jazz Dancing Lesson) – Museum Park
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4pm: Ellie Jones & Gary Phillips Trio – Morgans (The Georgian)
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4pm: Ray ‘Taff’ Williams ‘ Stringfellows’ Band – The River House
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4.30pm: The Buzzcuts – The Pump House
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4.30pm: Charlie Herbert Organ Trio – Wind Street Sports Bar
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5.30pm: Ed Jones Quartet – The Swigg
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5:30pm: Albino Frogs – Amphitheatre