Aberdeen Jazz Festival is ready to hit all the high notes. Image - Newsline Media
Aberdeen Jazz Festival is tuning up for its 23rd year, kicking off in earnest today (Thursday, March 12) with a programme that is already moving tickets fast.
The festival is back for its 23rd year in the city with a rich and varied programme spanning 11 days with over 30 events across 18 venues. It offers local music lovers the chance to experience and discover world-class talent, electrifying performances and community-focused events.
Several concerts have already sold out, including one of the first events, a concert honouring the late Ron Bird, a prominent figure in Aberdeen’s music scene who passed away in early 2025.
Tomorrow’s concert and workshop features the Celtic Django Project at the Middlefield Community Centre, celebrating Ron’s legacy as a beloved “eco-hero” and founder of the Guarana street drumming band.
John Youngs, CEO of Jazz Scotland, said: “Ticket sales have proved really healthy so far, and it’s been great to see the enthusiasm of Aberdonians to embrace live music in their city.
“It’s been a year of significant change for live music across Aberdeen. Long-established venues have sadly closed their doors, while new spaces have reopened and brought fresh energy to the city’s music scene.”
Jazz Artists AiiTee, Kimberley Tessa, Nuna Mutikani, and Sean Bissett pictured at one of the new venues, the Victorian Toilets at Wild Goose on Union Terrace. Imaged - Newsline Media
The choice of new venues has proved popular, with Susan McCathie at Sugarbird Wines sold out, as well as the special Soundbath performances in the historic Bon Accord Baths.
The Victorian Toilets in Union Terrace Gardens is one of the hottest tickets, with every performance in the venue already having been snapped up.
John said: “For those who want to experience the atmosphere of this new venue, there are still tickets available for the Jazz the Day City event this Sunday (15 March).
“One ticket gives access to four venues, and a full afternoon of music in the heart of Aberdeen. As well as the Victorian Toilets, 10 different acts are performing around Encore (on Skene Terrace, formerly the Forum), the Craig Centre for Performing Arts at Robert Gordon's College and the Cowdray Hall.
“The line-up really highlights the variety of music from the funk, jazz and soul of the Gil Scott Heron Project to live Latin jazz from Melodie and the Chillers. We’ve got steel guitar player, singer and raconteur Toby Mottershead giving a tour of early blues and roots music while Nathan Somevi is fusing jazz classics and soul with a dash of gospel.”
Aberdeen Jazz Festival artistic director John Youngs at Encore, one of the new venues for this year's event. Image - Newsline Media
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, welcomed the return of the city’s jazz festival.
“There is no question that Aberdeen Jazz Festival is one of the most-loved events in the Granite City’s cultural calendar, and is a real boost in attracting people into the heart of the city.
“These music fans don’t just come to enjoy the fantastic performances and concerts, but will also spend time in the city centre, having a bite to eat or something to drink, while also discovering all the other attractions Aberdeen has to offer.
“I’m sure the Aberdeen Jazz Festival will hit the high notes – and the city along with it.”
Produced by Jazz Scotland and supported by Aberdeen City Council and Creative Scotland, the 2026 programme covers everything from mainstream jazz to the avant garde and cutting-edge underground sounds.
Jazz artits Nuna Mutikani, Kimberley Tessa, Sean Bissett and vocalist AiiTee at the iconic Aberdeen letters in Union Terrace Gardens. Image - Newsline Media
To keep the festival affordable, several experiences have been priced at just £5, including the Jazz the Day City event.
With no tickets priced over £25, a “warm welcome” initiative goes a step further by giving music lovers free tickets to most events. In addition, organisers have distributed more than 200 free tickets to the festival’s charity and community partners to extend its reach into every corner of the city.
There is also £8 student entry at nearly all events, and senior concessions for the Thursday “Jazz at the Blue Lamp” concerts.
Details of all concerts, venues and ticket sales can be found at aberdeenjazzfestival.com.