Winchester Jazz Festival

07/09/2026

Your guide to what’s on during WJF 2026!

What a line up - we can’t wait! All info in our bio.

13/07/2026

IT’S THE WI******ER JAZZ FESTIVAL LINE UP 2026!

SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER - GROOVE TO THE MOON AT THE THEATRE ROYAL WI******ER

Strap in and prepare to blast off on a cosmic adventure like no other as you venture into the thrilling music experience of Groove Onto the Moon!

In this fun sci-fi adventure, children aged 3 to 7 and their adventurous grown-ups will be transported into space, encountering alien creatures, embarking on daring missions, and facing challenges that will put their bravery to the test.

Follow three intrepid astronaut friends on a mission to discover the first lunar footprint left by Neil Armstrong, proving to their grown-ups that they’re ready for big-kid adventures!

Amidst mesmerising animation and interactive theatre, our young explorers will navigate a galaxy filled with wonder and excitement. Guided by the pulsating rhythms of hard-grooving funk, jazz, and rock music performed by the outstanding Groove Baby Organ Trio, they’ll embark on a journey of friendship, teamwork and adventure.
Specially crafted as a midpoint between kid shows and ‘regular’ adult concerts, this show offers something for all astronauts, aliens and space pirates.

The duration of this performance is approximately 65 minutes, suitable for children ages 3 to 7 and their grown-ups.

13/07/2026

IT’S THE WI******ER JAZZ FESTIVAL LINE UP 2026!

SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER - MARVIN MUONEKÉ’S BIG BAND AT THE THEATRE ROYAL WI******ER

Marvin Muoneké – The Young Man with the Old Soul – returns to Wi******er! 

Following two sold-out Jazz Nights at Theatre Royal Wi******er in 2020 and 2021, Jazz FM Awards Vocalist of the Year nominee and Boisdale Music Awards Jazz Artist of the Year nominee Marvin is back as part of the 2026 Wi******er Jazz Festival, bringing his brand-new big band for its first theatre performance. 

Showcasing his talents as a vocalist, bandleader, arranger and conductor, Marvin Muoneké’s Orchestra (Big Marv’s Big Fat Band) will present fresh takes on jazz classics by Count Basie and Louis Armstrong, alongside audience favourites and original material,

combining big-band excitement with moments of warmth and intimacy.
One of the UK’s most exciting rising jazz stars, Marvin has earned acclaim for his rich, distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence, drawing inspiration from greats such as Nat King Cole, Joe Williams and Frank Sinatra. 

With his passion for storytelling, classic swing and modern flair, Marvin promises an unforgettable evening of world-class jazz entertainment.

13/07/2026

IT’S THE WI******ER JAZZ FESTIVAL LINE UP 2026!

FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER - HORNS UP FRONT AT THE ARC

Back by popular demand, Horns Up Front return to The Arc for another brilliant night of horn-heavy funk with a hard-grooving rhythm section!

Horns up Front are a UK based 7-piece funk-jazz-fusion band, led by Northern Irish Trumpet Player Neil Doherty. Formed in 2019 and made up of some of the finest funk and jazz musicians in the South.
 
The band play a combination of original music and arrangements, taking inspiration from the likes of Lettuce, Tower of Power, Jerry Hey, The Meters, Fred Wesley and Maceo Parker to name a few. 
 
 
Band line up:
Trumpet/Flugel Horn - Neil Doherty
Saxes - Damian Cook
Trombone - Dave Desmond
Keys - Bryan Postlethwaite
Guitar - Rob Johnston
Bass Guitar - Callum Quinn
Drums - Ted Carrasco

13/07/2026

IT’S THE WI******ER JAZZ FESTIVAL LINE UP 2026!

THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER - TOM BARFORD QUARTET AT THE NUTSHELL

Composer/Saxophonist/Winner of the 2017 Kenny Wheeler Prize Tom Barford’s name has been known to aficionados for some years now. Tom’s new album captured live at the Parakeet by master engineer Alex Bonney presents him sharing the frontline with star trumpeter James Copus on a set of his own original material. With Ivo Neame on piano and regular rhythm section compadres Oli Hayhurst on bass and Tim Giles on drums, this is a true London supergroup - but one based on a genuine, deep mutual respect and admiration.
The music is eclectic- virtuosic playing over fast tempos, Wayne Shorter and Vince Mendoza inspired compositions and even some tasty arrangements of some Joe Henderson classics. Tom will have newly produced record’s of the album available for purchase.

Join WJF at The Nutshell on the third Thursday of every month* for an evening of Jazz, bring your own food and drinks a plenty in an intimate cabaret style setting.

*please check dates as due to holiday season we will occasionally shift from the third Thursday!

17/06/2026

The Nutshell Jazz Club: James Owston Quartet

With a technical fluidity on his instrument, and strong connection to various forms of improvised music, James has built a reputation as one of the most in demand bassists in the country, drawing on his many influences to develop a sound that is stylish, virtuosic and captivating.

In 2018, James was a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician Award, performing at the Queen-Elizabeth Hall with Gwilym Simcock and Asaf Sirkis.

📆 Thursday 18 June 2026
🎟️ £25, £13 Students
🕗 8pm (doors 7pm)
📍 The Nutshell

🔗 ticket link in bio 👆

02/09/2025

WI******ER JAZZ FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 2025

THURS 18TH - EMPIRICAL FEAT. JONNY MANSFIELD AT THE NUTSHELL

FRI 19TH - RONNIE SCOTT’S JAZZ CLUB: THE RONNIE SCOTT’S STORY AT THEATRE ROYAL FESTIVAL

SAT 20TH - SEAN BERTRAM AT THE ARC

SUN 21ST - SUNDAY SESSIONS X WJF AT THE NUTSHELL

ALL TICKETS ON SALE NOW VIA THE WEBSITE!

02/09/2025

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club: The Ronnie Scott’s Story at is SOLD OUT!

We still have tickets left for our other events - take a look at our website to find out what else is on over the festival weekend!

15/04/2025

ANOTHER WJF25 ANNOUNCEMENT!

We are so excited that The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars are returning to !

Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club and combining world class live jazz, narration and rare archive photos and video footage, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars return to Wi******er with a brand-new programme of music celebrating The Ronnie Scott’s Story.

Tickets are on sale now - link in bio!

‘Outstanding players. For poise, balance and swing they’re a joy to listen to’ - The Observer

‘Full-on brilliance’ - The Guardian

15/04/2025