This International Jazz Day, Kieron from Leeds Jazz Festival talks us through what the festival has to offer; from its inception in 2021 to this year’s exciting programme spanning across the city – including at the City Varieties!
Written by Kieron Ferries
Jazz in Leeds
First of all, introduce yourself and your role at Leeds Jazz Festival.
Hello! I’m Kieron and I am the Festival Coordinator for Leeds Jazz Festival. I’ve worked for the festival since its inception in 2021. I’ve worked in a few different roles throughout my time, more recently taking on the role of Festival Coordinator.
My work is multi-faceted, but its core purpose is to unite the musicians, venues, promoters, audiences, and organisations that form the Leeds jazz community.
Together, we host a five-day celebration of the remarkable jazz scene here in Leeds.
In honour of International Jazz Day, do you have some jazz essentials? Albums, songs or artists that you believe everyone should listen to at least once?
I could probably spend all day chatting about jazz essentials and albums that have shaped the genre. However, focusing on the local Leeds scene, I highly recommend checking out local legend Fergus Quill. His album, Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band, is a standout record that showcases a brilliant assembly of musicians from across the city.
Another essential listen is Rising by Jasmine Myra. If you are looking for something to dance to I’d suggest Leeds College of Music alumni, Nubiyan Twist and their record Find Your Flame.
Editor’s note: you can actually see Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band over at The Varieties this summer!
How would you describe the Leeds music scene?
The Leeds arts and music landscape is truly unique. We are incredibly fortunate to have several universities offering incredible music programmes. Places such as Leeds Conservatoire have been instrumental in uniting musicians, producers and promoters, ensuring the scene remains vibrant and active through the years.
Not only that, but our city is home to some of the greatest grassroots venues. These spaces offer vital platforms for musicians to cultivate their audiences and present their work to both local audiences and those who travel to Leeds to experience what we have to offer.
I also can’t forget to recognise the fantastic promoters throughout the city. Their dedication to organising events, festivals and showcases to provide opportunities for these artists to truly exhibit their remarkable talent.
Kieron Ferries
Performers at Leeds Jazz Festival. Credit unknown.
Growing Leeds Jazz Festival
Leeds Jazz Festival has been running since 2022 – how did the first event come about?
While Leeds has hosted exceptional jazz events and festival style events throughout the years, a significant surge in the genre’s popularity in 2019 prompted the Music:Leeds team to envision a more cohesive and ambitious project.
The goal was to establish a unified platform that would highlight the city’s rich jazz offerings through an accessible and comprehensive format. After months of discussion and working with local promoters, venues and artists, a plan was put together to create the Leeds Jazz Festival.
The inaugural event took place between 1 – 12 June 2022. The programme featured a variety of free to access events and ticketed showcases, representing the wide diversity of Jazz in the city, with something for everyone, from the most die-hard jazz fan around to a first time attendee.
How has the festival changed? What can somebody who’s not attended an LJF event before expect this year?
The festival has seen continuous growth and evolution over time. I think one of the most important things about the festival is that there is always something for everyone, no matter if you’re an expert in jazz or just want to experience something new.
Our past programming has featured a diverse range of activities, including immersive audio-visual installations, photography and art exhibitions, DJ workshops and film screenings. We’ve also more recently added interactive sessions like open mics and improvisation workshops.
For those who have yet to experience the Leeds Jazz Festival, I strongly encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore new sounds or perhaps visit a local venue that you wouldn’t typically frequent for a live performance.
Do you have any favourite memories from previous events?
My standout memory remains the 2023 ‘Welcome to Leeds’ stage, the free event we hosted in the heart of the city. We were blessed with beautiful weather and an amazing crowd. The atmosphere was perfect, with music playing and everyone dancing and smiling. It felt like exactly the kind of uplifting experience the local scene needed after the challenges of the previous few years.
Welcome to Leeds Stage. Credit Kieron Ferries
Packed crowd at at Leeds Jazz Festival. Credit unknown
You’ve got a packed programme this year – are there any events you’re particularly excited for this time around?
This year marks a five-year milestone, and despite some recent funding challenges, the festival boasts an exceptional musical line-up.
I am particularly excited for Ancient Infinity Orchestra. They are playing their first Leeds Jazz Festival headline show at City Varieties Music Hall. Another exciting set is Donovan Haffner at Seven Arts. Having recently been named Jazz Newcomer of the Year at the UK Parliamentary Jazz Awards, his performance is definitely one to watch.
The programme also features an array of ‘pay as you feel’ showcase events, such as the two days of RP’s ‘The Showcase’ at the Attic and ‘Any Given Sunday’ hosted by Not a thing. at Sela Bar.
A personal highlight every year is the Jazz Dance Party at Hyde Park Book Club. This year’s edition features jazz dance legend Paul Murphy. Before the party begins, the Lift Your Feet crew will lead an ‘in conversation’ session with Paul, exploring his influential DJ career, his history in the jazz dance scene, and his experiences as a record label head. It is an event you certainly won’t want to miss!
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Leeds Jazz Festival at City Varieties
Fri 22 – Mon 25 May 2026
Hosting Leeds Jazz Festival events at The Varieties for the first time this year, we are excited to be working with the team and alongside other great venues in Leeds.
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