The Buxton International Festival, founded in 1979, has a worldwide reputation for its opera productions, literary events and a particular and special ‘festive’ atmosphere, writes Charles Rees. Now, for the first time, the festival in the Derbyshire spa town has announced a selection of jazz performances for its opening weekend, 7-10 July 2022. Booking opens on Monday 6 December.

Neil Hughes was recently appointed as Buxton Festival’s jazz director. His previous roles include managing the Cinnamon Club in the Manchester area from 2002 until early 2020, as well as a four year run as creative director for the Southport Jazz Festival. Commenting on his new role, he says: “I am delighted to bring my twenty years jazz experience to Buxton. We will cover all genres from Basie to Bowie over seventeen wonderful concerts.”

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He has brought an outstanding array of performers to Buxton, including The Impossible Gentleman, with a brand new lineup featuring Laurence Cottle (bass) and Ian Thomas (drums) – joining founding members Gwilym Simcock and Mike Walker in their first live appearance as a band since 2016; a duo concert from Ian Shaw and Guy Barker, both of whom will also guest alongside the Swingtime Big Band in their performance featuring Emma Holcroft; award-winning vocalist Clare Teal, performing songs from the Great American and British Song Books with her all-star sextet; as well as the Jay Phelps Quartet, and more still to be announced.

Performances will take place over the weekend of July 7-10, with tickets going on sale from Monday 6 December. But, for the especially eager fan, London Jazz News is delighted to provide our readers with the opportunity to book in advance using code BIFJAZZSPT. Booking for the Jule Styne/ Stephen Sondheim Musical Gypsy is also open from Monday. The opera performances start bookings for members in March (details).

LINKS: Buxton International Festival website

Buxton Festival Jazz events booking link