Marsden Jazz Festival 2024 in England

The Marsden Jazz Festival is a renowned jazz celebration held in the picturesque Pennine village of Marsden, West Yorkshire, every year in early October. Established in 1992, it is one of the longest-running jazz festivals in England. This annual event is distinguished by its carefully curated lineup, which features a blend of world-class musicians and emerging local talent. Highlights often include performances by the UK's cutting-edge jazz masters, such as Gary Crosby and Camilla George, ensuring a dynamic and diverse experience for jazz enthusiasts.

Schedule & Lineup

The Marsden Jazz Festival schedule kicks off on Friday, October 11th, with a Love Music, Hate Racism Fundraiser at Marsden Royal British Legion at 7:00 PM, featuring Perspex Leslie and Jesus Kneivel (ticketed, £5 or £10 weekend ticket). The evening continues at Marsden Social Club with a performance by Soul Pie at 9 pm.

On Saturday, October 12th, festivities start early at Bandstand In The Park with the Heckmondwicke Grammar School Soul Band at 10 am, followed by Musica Youth Jazz at 12 pm, Musica Holme Valley Big Band at 1 pm, and Musica Shelley Big Band at 2:15 pm. The day’s headliners at Marsden Mechanics Hall include Rod Mason’s Elements at 5:30 pm and the Pete Rosser Trio + Guest at 7 pm (both ticketed). The evening concludes with Backwater Blues at Marsden Social Club at 9 pm.

The festival wraps up on Sunday, October 13th, with the Jazz Cafe presented by MJF, Marsden Mechanics, and Marsden Scouts at 10:30 am in Marsden Mechanics Hall. The final event is another Love Music, Hate Racism Fundraiser at Marsden Royal British Legion featuring Sunshine Reggae at noon (DJs, £5 or £10 weekend ticket).

Tickets

Most events throughout the festival are free of charge, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide range of performances and activities at no cost. However, some individual events require tickets priced between £10 and £12. For those interested in attending multiple events on Friday night, a special pass is available: General tickets are £18, tickets for ages 17-29 are £14, and tickets for those 16 and under are £1.80 (must be accompanied by an adult).

Location & Venues

The concerts within the Marsden Jazz Festival span the village of Marsden and typically feature indoor and outdoor venues, like Bartholomew's Church and notable Peel Street.

Marsden: What to See

Marsden is a convenient location, just an hour's drive from the vibrant cities of Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield, and offers a wealth of opportunities to enhance your visit. While enjoying the Marsden Jazz Festival, you can also explore these nearby cities to enrich your itinerary. Wander through their historic streets, marvel at stunning English architecture, browse local markets, and create unforgettable experiences. For accommodation, a variety of vacation rentals are available in the area, as shown on the map below.