Newcastle Jazz Festival Returns to Live Theatre
Newcastle Jazz Festival returns for its eighth season with a carefully curated programme spanning two days across Live Theatre on Newcastle Quayside. The 2026 festival celebrates the breadth and depth of contemporary British jazz, featuring leading figures in the UK jazz scene alongside musicians from our beloved North East.
Headlining Saturday evening is Mercury Prize-nominated trumpeter Laura Jurd, presenting a special concert reimagining the legacy of Miles Davis on the centenary of his birth. Jurd's distinctive approach to the trumpet is internationally recognised, and this one-off concert brings together leading musicians for what promises to be a significant evening of music. Her programme draws on Davis's catalogue across his career, translating his energy and innovation into contemporary idiom—rock-tinged, groove-based music that honours the spirit of Miles whilst forging new territory.
Opening the festival on Friday evening at Live Theatre is Clark Tracey BEM, one of Britain's most accomplished and versatile drummers. A six-time British Jazz Awards 'Best Drums' winner, Tracey grew up immersed in jazz as the son of legendary pianist Stan Tracey. His career spans over 45 years, during which he has recorded more than 100 albums as sideman and leader, toured in over 50 countries, and worked with major international artists including Johnny Griffin, Pharaoh Sanders and Scott Hamilton. He brings his current quintet to Newcastle, featuring leading UK jazz musicians.
Saturday's afternoon programme in the intimate Studio at Live Theatre showcases the diversity of contemporary British jazz practice. Opening is OUTRI, a new solo bass project by North East musician Ian 'dodge' Paterson. Blending jazz with folk, electronica and found-sound aesthetics, OUTRI combines organic looped bass with shifting harmonies and glitchy electronics, creating an intimate platform for one-off collaborations with fellow North East musicians.
Teesside saxophonist Mark Toomey brings his quartet to the festival, presenting original compositions rooted in the bebop tradition. Toomey's set will emphasise the freedom and expressive possibility at jazz's core.
British singer Alexia Gardner, with Jamaican roots, performs jazz standards and original material. Based in London after eight years in Switzerland and performances in New York, Gardner brings a distinctive warmth and interpretive depth to the jazz vocal tradition, with a voice described as smooth and mellow as fine wine.
Completing the afternoon programme is Rory Ingham, a trombonist, educator and composer based in London. Winner of Rising Star at the 2017 British Jazz Awards and a finalist in the Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition, Ingham has performed with the BBC Big Band, internationally-acclaimed soloists including Chris Potter and Dave Holland, and at major venues including the Royal Festival Hall and Barbican. He performs with his quartet featuring Dean Stockdale, Ian Paterson and David McKeague.
Returning for a second year to NJFs new home, Live Theatre we’re looking forward to bringing you the best of UK jazz in this unique and fully accessible venue. Further information and book now at: www.newcastlejazzfestival.co.uk
