Brecon Jazz Festival will return next month for four days of live music, with organisers promising a packed programme of performances across the town.

The festival runs from Thursday, August 6 to Sunday, August 9, bringing together established names, emerging artists and musicians from across Wales, the UK and beyond.

Now in its 43rd year, Brecon Jazz Festival has become one of the best-known events on the town’s cultural calendar, attracting audiences to venues and outdoor spaces across Brecon.

This year’s festival will open at Theatr Brycheiniog on Thursday evening with a performance from legendary saxophonist Courtney Pine.

The line-up also includes acclaimed performers such as Jacqui Dankworth and Liane Carroll, alongside a range of artists bringing different styles and influences to the festival.

Among the highlights will be a special performance from Italian pianist Francesca Tandoi and UK vocalist Emma Smith, who will perform together for only the second time.

Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band will also bring its modern take on big band music to Brecon, while Ursula Harrison and her Norwegian ensemble will make their first UK appearance with a new piece commissioned especially for the festival.

Another unique performance comes from Will Barnes, who combines live music with real-time visualisation to create an audio-visual show.

Organisers say the festival is about more than just ticketed performances, with free music and street performances helping to create a festival atmosphere throughout the town.

Alongside concerts at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon Guildhall and The Muse, visitors will be able to enjoy free outdoor performances and buskers across Brecon.

The festival atmosphere will also spill onto the streets with the return of the Brecon Frazz Parade on Saturday, August 8. This year’s theme is “Make Your Own Way Carnival Parade”, celebrating more sustainable ways of travelling, from walking and cycling to buses, trains and boats.

The Bulwark will become one of the main areas for festival activity, offering visitors the chance to experience the newly refurbished town centre while enjoying live music.

The Tan Cerdd World Music Stage will also return to Bethel Square on Saturday and Sunday, featuring artists from different musical traditions and cultures. The stage is supported by Arts Council of Wales and Creative Wales and will explore the links between jazz and music from around the world.

The festival organisers said: “Whether you’re a long-standing supporter or planning your very first visit, we look forward to welcoming you to Brecon for a weekend filled with exceptional music, discovery, friendship and celebration.”

Tickets for performances are available at: www.ticketsource.com/brecon-jazz-festival-delivery-team

More information about this year’s festival can be found at: www.breconjazzfestival2026.co.uk

This year’s festival is being delivered by the Brecon Jazz Festival Delivery Team, which was formed in autumn 2024 after long-standing organisers Lynne and Roger handed over responsibility for the event. The team is made up of local volunteers, several of whom have previous experience of Brecon Jazz Festival, with the aim of continuing the tradition of bringing live jazz to the town.