2024 Line-up Announced
Exciting Line-up Unveiled and Tickets Now Available for the 2024 Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival
The anticipation is building as the 2024 Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival announces its stellar line-up for an unforgettable music festival. The festival is scheduled to take place over five days, from Thursday, May 23, to Monday, May 27, coinciding with the end of the May bank holiday weekend.
Headlining the opening night on May 23 is Tony Hadley, the former lead singer of Spandau Ballet, showcasing his iconic voice alongside his jazz band and a swinging brass section. Sponsored by Molyneux Financial Planning and Charles Stanley Wealth Managers, this special concert promises a repertoire that pays homage to jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Frank Sinatra, as well as featuring Spandau hits like ‘True’ and ‘Gold.’
On May 24, the festival offers a dynamic double bill featuring Roachford and MF Robots, delivering a high-energy mix of Soul, Funk, and Acid Jazz. Andrew Roachford will be performing hits from his acclaimed back catalogue and new repertoire, expect to hear hits such as Cuddly Toy, Only to Be with You and many more. MF Robots bring their unique blend of acid jazz to Sidmouth who were formed by ex- founding member of The Brand-New Heavies Jan Kinkade and vocalist Dawn Joseph.
The following day, all the way from Havana, Cuba the incredible award – winning jazz pianist and composer Roberto Fonseca headlines on Saturday 25 May with his all-star band. Known for his work with the Buena Vista Social Club, Fonseca is one of the most dazzling jazz musicians to come out of Cuba and hit the limelight across the globe.
Sunday, May 26, sees British-Jamaican MBE singer Ruby Turner taking the stage with her band, treating the audience to hits like ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ and ‘It’s Gonna Be Alright.’ Turner, known for her soulful voice and R&B mastery, has collaborated with notable artists such as Brian Ferry, UB40, and Mick Jagger.
The festival closes with a wonderful double bill on Monday 27 May as the festival celebrates two award – winning British female singer songwriters. Elles Bailey the smoky-voiced human dynamo, who straddles the worlds of Americana and the Blues, garnering accolades in both and British Soul singer Mica Millar and her full band. Mica also won Jazz FM’s prestigious ‘Soul Act of The Year 2022’ award alongside receiving a nomination for ‘Breakthrough Act of The Year’.
Ian Bowden, the festival director commented “We have a stunning and eclectic line up for the third-year festival. Our programme offers a wide variety of exceptional music including Jazz, Swing, Blues, Roots, Soul, Funk, Latin, Cuban and Gospel music”.
The festival’s outdoor performance stage in Blackmore Gardens will host five headline concerts and three days of high-quality daytime music, featuring artists like Ian Shaw, Snowboy and The Latin Section, and Acantha Lang who grew up in New Orleans, bringing her breath-taking blend of American Soul to the festival.
The daytime program, kindly supported by Sidmouth Town Council, Visit Sidmouth, Sidmouth Design, and Vitesse PSB, promises fifteen acts over three days. A variety of fantastic food concessions with offerings from around the world will be provided by local East Devon caterers, as well as a fully licensed bar managed by Branscombe Brewery.
Additionally, a free educational program, including workshops, masterclasses, and live performances, will run from May 25 to May 27, thanks to support from the Big Lottery Fund, Keith Owen Fund, East Devon District Council, and the creative East Devon fund through the UK shared prosperity fund.
Attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early, with early bird tickets available for a limited period. Ticket packages include options for a three-day outdoor music daytime ticket, a combination of headline acts and daytime music, as well as VIP and corporate packages.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary celebration of music, fun, and community at the 2024 Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival!
