'For the Love of Jazz’ returns to Leicester for its fifth year,
- LM News
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
‘For the Love of Jazz’ returns to Leicester for its fifth year, bringing an extraordinary lineup of jazz musicians from across the UK. Come and experience the unmissable energy and excellence of live jazz!
Come along to our annual free festival in Jubilee Square. Plus, enjoy two ticketed events at Leicester Cathedral.
For the Love of Jazz - Live Events
Cosmopolitan Arts is excited to partner with Leicester Cathedral for two incredible events.
Location: Leicester Cathedral
Admission: Ticketed.
Thursday 13th of August, 7:30 - 10 pm
Purchase from Eventbrite
Experience the last live show of Leicester’s incredible STATUS TRIO, as they jam with 11 local jazz artists.
Friday 14th of August, 7:30 - 10 pm
Purchase from Eventbrite
Join Jazz FM legend TONY MINVIELLE and guests for an evening of live jazz music
interspersed with stories of his life and career.
Featuring performances from London-based trumpeter GRIFTON FORBES-AMOS who fuses jazz with Soul, Gospel and Latin influences, and Leeds-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist EVE BUCKLEY who combines a rich hybrid of alternative-soul and jazz infused pop.
For the Love of Jazz Festival
Saturday 15th of August, 1 - 8:30 pm
FREE EVENT
Location: Jubilee Square.
Cosmopolitan Arts’ free jazz festival returns to Leicester city centre! Enjoy a full day of music at Jubilee Square, with food stalls and free activities for kids!
This year, the phenomenal KNATS are headlining. Recently shortlisted for a Mercury Prize, Knats are a hard-hitting trio from Newcastle upon Tyne, channelling rock grit, fusion fire and floor-filling grooves into a bold new sound they call “Geordie Jazz”
Described by Jazzwise as “one of the most exciting new bands in the UK” in the words of The Guardian they “gleefully rewire jazz with a hard-as-nails rhythm section, drum’n’bass energy and punk aggression.”
Catch their set at 7pm.
Experience an unforgettable day of jazz, with a dynamic lineup of high-calibre musicians.
LISA MILLETT QUINENT are combining old & modern jazz standards, as well as original works, to leave your soul satisfied! Hailing from London is SUEDEJAZZ; a multicultural collective integrating contemporary jazz, hip-hop, progressive rock, spiritual, ambient and afrobeat.
See virtuoso saxophonist and composer KAIDI AKINNIBI push boundaries with genre-bending modern jazz. Watch vocalist INEZA blend contemporary jazz with soul and folk influences, using powerful storytelling and expressive improvisation.
See DAVID KAYODE, a London-based saxophonist, composer and bandleader rooted in Yorubatradition, Afro-diasporic rhythm and contemporary jazz. Experience DENNIS ROLLINS’
FUNKY-FUNK! Dennis Rollins has lent his trombone skills to an array of jazz, funk and groove personalities. A chameleon in the jazz world, here he presents ‘FUNKY-FUNK!’
An electrifying 4-piece outfit playing deep funky grooves with fat bass-lines and sumptuous melodies. Between sets, experience ‘Jazz on Vinyl’ from Leicester icon The Basement Presents!
For the Love of Jazz Festival 2026 comes to life thanks to public funding and support from Arts Council England. Organised by Leicester's Cosmopolitan Arts (recognised as a National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England), a driving force behind captivating live music, dance, and combined arts in Leicester since 2011.
We would like to give a very special thank you to Leicester Cathedral, Leicester Jazz House, and MJazz for their continuing partnership and support of For the Love of Jazz Festival.
For more information, please click the button below and follow us on social media.
Facebook: Cosmopolitan Arts | Instagram: @CosmopolitanArts I LinkedIn:
Cosmopolitan Arts
Contact: info@cosmopolitanarts.co.uk
UPDATED
Check out the pictures here
