About the Festival

Founded in 1992, Marsden Jazz Festival is one of the UK’s longest established jazz festivals.

Thousands of visitors make the trip by train, bus, car or narrow boat to experience the unique atmosphere the festival brings to Marsden every year, and more than 60 volunteers give up their time to help make the weekend a success. We are proud to showcase a wide range of jazz musicians from internationally acclaimed artists to local school bands and rising talent.

Bringing Back Live Music for 2021

The wait is finally over and this October you can expect some incredible world-class jazz right before your eyes!

In December last year we launched a survey which asked you what events you would feel most comfortable attending in 2021. Over 70% of you said outdoor events would be the most attractive, and so we have taken that feedback on board and have curated a simpler and safer MJF 2021.

We decided not to go ahead with any small venue events this year, instead focussing on what we could do outdoors and in our large venues. The stunning St Bartholomew’s Church will be our only indoor ticketed venue this year. All other gigs will be outdoors and free of charge.

Our programme boasts one of the most cutting-edge and progressive line-ups to date as we collaborate with vital cultural institution Jazz re:freshed on our Peel Street Stage programme on Saturday. Featuring some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians such as Gary Crosby and Camilla George you’ll not want to miss a single moment. The Bandstand in the Park is our third musical venue this year, with performances from local bands such as Marsden Swing, and emerging musicians through Musica Kirklees.

Whilst we’re bringing you all this exciting live music, we also have two free exhibitions this year. See the Exhibitions page of our website for details of our Chronotope immersive exhibition taking place in the Mechanics Hall, and Black British Jazz: 100 years of Now taking place at the Parochial Hall.