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Iford Manor Jazz Festival 2026

The Iford Manor Jazz Festival returns, just 15 minutes from Bath. 18th - 21st June 2026

Don’t miss Trish Clowes and Ross Stanley, Vanessa Haynes Duo, Snowboy and the Latin Section with DJ Mike Vitti and Maddie Martin Duo.

Treat yourself to an evening of world class jazz in the romantic setting of Iford’s beautiful Grade 1 listed gardens. Surrounded by architecture, plants & antiquities with idyllic countryside views, this is a jazz festival like no other.

**Scroll down for info**

 

iford manor jazz festival
18th - 21st June 2026

Claire Martin OBE - Festival Curator

“As we reach our fifth year, I am absolutely delighted to be celebrating this milestone for the Iford Manor Jazz Festival. It has been a particular joy this year to shine a light on women in jazz, with three of our main acts being female-led. This truly reflects the extraordinary depth, originality and brilliance they bring to the genre. It is a true honour for me to curate this festival each year, and it remains one of my highlights every summer, as it is the perfect chance to bring together world-class jazz artists in a magical setting and an audience who listens with open hearts. See you there!.Claire Martin OBE

Picnic in the beautifully romantic Iford Manor Gardens, with the stunning evening light showing off the garden at its best, as the garden then morphs into a magical delight especially lit up at night for the festival.

Thursday 18th June: Trish Clowes and Ross Stanley in Iford’s cloister
Treat yourself to an intimate performance within the stunning cloisters at Iford (nb: the cloister will have a temporary roof put on for the festival).

Saxophonist Trish Clowes and pianist Ross Stanley have been carefully crafting their unique sound world over a number of years, performing their own material, arrangements of music from jazz, folk and church organ traditions, and free improvisations. The duo’s appearances include Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Royal Festival Hall (with Stanley making use of the organ), Galway Jazz Festival, Symphony Hall (Birmingham), Buxton International Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, and St George’s Bristol.

Friday 19th June: Vanessa Haynes Duo present Aretha Franklin - Queen of Soul
Pianist and singer Vanessa Haynes celebrates the songs made famous by arguably the greatest soul singer ever - Aretha Franklin.

A vocal powerhouse to be reckoned with, Vanessa cut her teeth as a backing vocalist to Van Morrison. She’s worked and recorded with Billy Ocean, Chaka Khan, LuLu, Anastacia, Leon Ware, Mario Biondi, Dave Stewart and has been a long-term vocalist for Brit jazz funk band Incognito. She has performed with Guy Barker at the Proms and continues to be showcased for her incredible voice.

Saturday 20th June: Snowboy and the Latin Section with DJ sets from Mike Vitti on the lawn
An exceptional evening in the beautiful surrounds of Iford Manor’s Grade 1 listed gardens with Europe's leading Afro-Cuban jazz performers and recording artists, Snowboy and the Latin Section led by multi-percussionist Mark ‘Snowboy’ Cotgrove. DJ Mike Vitti returns to the lawn to play in between sets. Whether you prefer to sit and listen or get up and dance the night away there’ll be something for everyone. Don’t miss this epic evening!

On Saturday night, picnic with music wafting over you (or dine in the restaurant - information available nearer the time), promenade the garden exploring it’s antiquities, structures and views with a glass in hand before, dancing the night away.

Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st June: Jazz Lunch with the Maddie Martin Duo
Enjoy a delicious 3 course lunch (included in the price) accompanied by sublime jazz from the Maddie Martin Duo. 

Recently graduated from The Royal Academy of Music with a classical vocal degree, Maddie Martin is a singer whose career is one to watch. With her distinctive 'old soul' tone and a gift for storytelling, she captivates her audiences through expressive phrasing, rich timbre and strong stage presence. 

Drawing inspiration from Ella Fitzgerale, Barbra Streisand, Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson and more, this is a performance not to be missed. 

Please note that 25% of your ticket price for the festival is a heritage contribution that will be spent directly on the restoration, maintenance and improvement of the venue, being the Grade 1 listed garden here at Iford and the numerous listed structures therein. Ticket prices include VAT.

Well behaved dogs on short leads are welcome to the Saturday evening event. Please no dogs on Thursday and Friday evening due to restricted space in the cloister.