Brecon Jazz Festival 2026

The Brecon Jazz Festival returns to the market town of Brecon in the Brecon Beacons from 6 to 9 August 2026. One of the most distinctive jazz festivals in the UK, it makes inventive use of the town itself — concerts take place in churches, pubs, the main stage marquee on the riverbank, and in the streets — giving it an atmosphere quite unlike a conventional festival site.

The four-day programme spans traditional jazz, blues, swing, contemporary jazz and world music. Brecon Jazz has a long history of mixing world-class headliners with emerging artists, and the intimate scale of the venues means you’re rarely far from the musicians. Street performances and impromptu sessions add to the feeling that the whole town is involved.

Brecon itself is a handsome market town set on the northern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, where the Rivers Usk and Honddu meet. Cathedral walks, canal towpaths and mountain views make it a rewarding place to spend a few days beyond the festival programme.

Accommodation in Brecon fills up quickly during the festival weekend. The surrounding area — including Abergavenny, Crickhowell, and villages throughout the Beacons — offers a wide range of B&Bs, guesthouses, and self-catering cottages for those visiting the festival.