Kelham Jazz Festival 2026

On March 21 Sheffield will host its very first major Jazz Festival, located in Kelham Island, and built by the city’s grassroots music scene. As a city known for its musical history, the festival aims to fill a long-standing gap in Sheffield’s cultural calendar, featuring the likes of: Luke Una, TC & The Groove Family and Tina Edwards who will be at the forefront of a 90% of Northern musician lineup.

Taking place across 9 venues, the one-day festival is built by local artists, promoters and independent venues, responding directly to the challenges the grassroots sector faces. With 30 grassroots music venues permanently closed off, a host of northern artists and communities are coming together to fight back on the shrinking live circuit happening across the UK, aiming to make music accessible again and put Sheffield on the map for Jazz.

"This festival is built by the artists, promoters and venues that make the city’s music culture what it is. Our goal is to build a festival that grows with the city and becomes a permanent part of its cultural calendar” said Festival Director, Danny Tennant.

Attendees can expect 40+ performances spanning jazz, blues, fusion and contemporary styles, alongside outdoor sets, jam sessions, DJ programming, workshops and community-led events. Food, drink and cultural experiences will also run throughout Kelham Island’s bars, breweries and independent venues.

“This festival celebrates a milestone of where the scene is at with such a high percentage of homegrown artists. The festival is a true celebration of art, sound, people and culture all based in and around Sheffield.” said Creative Director, Dave Sheard.

Along with this, the festival is partnering with WaterBear, Leeds Conservatoire, Tracks UK and community organisations including Key of She, the festival helps establish clear pathways from education into professional performance, supporting students and emerging musicians with real-world experience and access to live audiences.