To buy tickets to any of our Friday and Saturday gigs please follow the link at the bottom of the page

Friday 9th October

6.30 – 7.15pm – MUSICA KIRKLEES JUNIOR JAZZ/MUSICA YOUTH JAZZ COLLECTIVE

Musica Kirklees’ amazing youth bands have been an audience favourite for many years. They are in the park, they are on Peel Street…and now they are on the main festival stage kicking off the action. This is a free concert but you’ll need to book a ticket here

8 – 9.15PM – YORKSHIRE GYPSY SWING COLLECTIVE

A Yorkshire gypsy jazz supergroup playing music inspired by the legendary Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli of the ‘Quintette du Hot Club de France’. The Collective remains in the spirit of Django and Stephane, while pushing the genre of ‘gypsy jazz’ forward into a modern sphere.

YGSC is Lewis Kilvington and Martin Chung (guitars), James Munroe (double bass), Derek Magee (violin) and Christine Pinkard (clarinet).

Expect some fast licks, burning ballads and even some Latin-inspired pieces.

9.30 – 11PM – STAN TRACEY CENTENARY CELEBRATION feat. CLARK TRACEY’S SPECTRUM (Sponsored by Jazz In Britain Ltd.)

In a year of ‘jazz centenaries’ (Miles, Coltrane) none is more significant to UK jazz than Stan Tracey ‘the Godfather of British jazz’ who would have turned 100 at the end of December.
To commemorate this, MJF have teamed up with Jazz In Britain and Stan’s son Clark to present this special concert which will feature the cream of British jazz talent from across the generations.
This gig also marks a new collaboration between Jazz In Britain and Clark’s own ReSteamed label, and the launch of an expanded 3CD re-issue of Stan’s 1982 album Spectrum: Tribute to Monk.

Saturday 10th October

11am – 12pm – MINIFEST

A fun, live musical experience for children that adults will love too! Jam packed with original songs written especially to stimulate young imaginations and get everybody moving. MiniFest is free but you’ll need to book a ticket here

5.30 – 6.45pm – DAN CASIMIR BIG BAND

Winner of the 2024 Arts Foundation for jazz composition, Dan Casimir has become an influential figure within the UK Jazz scene. Having performed in several countries and with a vast discography, the multi-award-winning composer, bassist, and producer has a musical output that makes him unmissable. This is a rare opportunity to hear Dan’s big band, a group featuring an impressive selection from the most exciting players of Dan’s generation. This is really a not to be missed gig and we are totally buzzing to be able to present this group at the festival. Check out the video linked above.

7 – 8.30pm – LAURA JURD ‘RITES & REVELATIONS’

Laura Jurd (trumpet), Cori Smith (viola), Tara Cunningham (guitar), Ruth Goller (bass) and Corrie Dick (drums)

One of the most distinctive voices in jazz and improvised music, Mercury-nominated Laura Jurd’s unique approach to the trumpet is celebrated in the work that she creates. A past BBC New Generation Artist, Laura’s love of folk traditions can often be heard in her music, alongside her background in classical composition. The result is a melodic world full of compelling twists and turns, whilst retaining a grounded sense of familiarity.

In the past couple of years, Laura’s love of traditional music has deepened playing alongside the likes of English accordionist Martin Green (Lau) and Irish fiddle player Ultan O’Brien. Her astonishing album ‘Rites and Revelations’, released October 2025 to critical acclaim, sees this magical trio propelled by the otherworldly sounds of Ruth Goller, bass, and Corrie Dick, drums. Regularly bringing this music to life as part of Laura’s touring band, is upcoming folk violist Cori Smith who brings her own unique blend of Yorkshire / Swedish folk magic and genre-defying guitarist-of-the-moment, Tara Cunningham.

10 – 11.30pm – ROD MASON AND THE 007s

Saxophonist, arranger, band leader and all round MJF legend returns to the festival stage with the 007s, an elite group of musicians playing Rod’s own arrangement of themes, songs and incidental music from the Bond movies. Expect a barnstorming Saturday night finale!

The 007s are James Lancaster (trumpet), Derek Harris (guitar), Andrzej Baranek (piano), Paul Chamberlain (bass), Jenny Smith (vocals) and Paul Smith (drums)

Sunday 11th October

10 – 11.30am JAZZ CAFE
Free, just turn up! Marsden Scouts will be running the cafe as a fundraiser and there will be live music from local artists Terry Kenyon & Julie, Tony & Angie plus others tbc

Details of Sunday afternoon concerts from GELATOS and KYLA BROX to follow soon.

Buy All Individual Friday & Saturday Tickets, Evening and Festival Passes Here