Something very special is happening in Midhurst this autumn. For the first time, the town will host its own week-end long jazz festival, and it promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen before in Sussex.
Yes, there will be great gigs and world-class musicians. But this festival isn’t just about music. It’s about atmosphere, stories, flavours and experiences. Think smoky New York jazz clubs, the golden age of Chicago blues and the passion of Buenos Aires dance halls, all reimagined in the heart of Midhurst.
The music: world-class and wide-ranging
What makes this festival so exciting is the sheer range of performances and experiences planned plus the subtle Argentine twist, the result of Midhurst’s decades old relationship with Argentina through the Cowdray Estate and Polo Club. Highlights include:
- Jam Sessions at The Wheatsheaf – On Friday and Saturday nights, the upstairs room at The Wheatsheaf will become a proper old-school jam session. Expect sticky carpets, spontaneous solos and the thrill of stepping into the unknown. Musicians of all levels are welcome, it’s a rite of passage and pure fun.
- Simon Bates: Everyone’s Guide to Jazz and Blues – One of Britain’s finest saxophonists and professor with the British Army and Royal Marines, Simon Bates will lead a relaxed session explaining what makes jazz tick. Open to all ages, it was originally billed as The Young Person’s Guide to Jazz but was quickly renamed after adults said, “Actually, we want to go too!”
- Vince Dunn Orchestra – A powerhouse big band guaranteed to lift the roof. Expect two hours of sheer energy that leaves you walking out with your feet a foot off the ground.
- Pablo Murgier’s International Trio – This superb Argentine jazz pianist Pablo will perform his new solo album on the grand piano at Rother College, blending jazz with Argentine flavours. Then, in true jazz spirit, he’ll form a one-off trio with a Polish bassist and a British drummer. They’ll meet for just an hour before the performance and the rest will be magic, improvisation and sparks of creativity.
- Simply Dan – Eleven world-class session musicians recreating the iconic sound of Steely Dan. If you’re a fan, you’ll know how good this will be.
- Masterclasses and More – Argentine jazz, blues harmonica with international blues star Errol Linton, funk explosions and more. The festival programme is broad, welcoming both seasoned jazz lovers and newcomers.
Food, drink & the flavours of jazz
The Midhurst Jazz, Food & Blues Festival isn’t only about what you hear, it’s going to be a very sensory experience and so that means it is also going to be about evocative flavours and food. The organisers have been working with local – and Argentine – chefs to design menus inspired by the golden age of jazz and the great cities where the music flourished.
Imagine dishes that channel the atmosphere of a 1950s New York supper club: rich, slow-cooked meats, smoky flavours and indulgent desserts. Or plates that echo the passion of Buenos Aires, with vibrant spices, grilled cuts and the warmth of South American kitchens.
Add a dash of Chicago blues (hearty, soulful and comforting) and you have a line-up that’s as eclectic as the festival’s music programme.
And because this is Sussex, of course there will be sparkling wine. The Tinwood Estate will be pouring some of the best fizz in the county, alongside craft beers from the local Langham’s Brewery and carefully chosen wines to match the menus.
The idea is simple: food and drink become part of the story. A meal isn’t just fuel before the show, it’s a chance to step into the atmosphere of a jazz club.
An Exclusive Festival Trail
Because this is a winter festival, there is also going to be a special festival trail with a string of events, venues and experiences across town.
Think of it as an itinerary:
- lunch with live gypsy jazz,
- an afternoon wine tasting,
- a masterclass or talk,
- and then the big evening concert.
It’s about weaving the music into the town and giving visitors reasons to linger, explore, and enjoy. Sussex Exclusive is working closely with the festival organisers to develop this trail and we’ll be bringing you exclusive details soon, so watch this space.
More than music: a vision for Midhurst
The Jazz Festival is just the beginning. The team behind it already have plans for future spring and summer events, with the long-term goal of making Midhurst a true cultural hub. There’s talk of permanent venues, annual trails and spin-off concerts , all with the same principle: bring world-class experiences to Sussex, while keeping the community at its heart.
Supporting young musicians
At its heart, the Midhurst Jazz, Food & Blues Festival is about more than performances. The organisers are committed to supporting local groups and nurturing the next generation of musicians. Part of the programme will be dedicated to accessible events for older audiences, supported by healthcare sponsors, while masterclasses and workshops offer young people the chance to learn directly from some of Britain’s best jazz artists. From open jam sessions where anyone can take the stage, to educational talks that demystify the history and rhythms of jazz, the festival is creating opportunities for new talent to flourish ensuring that the spirit of jazz continues to inspire in Sussex for years to come.
Why you shouldn’t miss it
Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or just curious to try something new, the Midhurst Jazz, Food & Blues Festival has something for you: world-class musicians, spontaneous jam sessions, fascinating masterclasses and a buzz that will ripple through the whole town. Add in the food, wine and trail of experiences and it’s shaping up to be a weekend to remember.
Super Early Bird: locals first
Most festivals offer early bird pricing, but Midhurst has gone one step further with a Super Early Bird ticket: 25% off performance tickets, but there’s only a limited number and they’re selling fast! It’s a simple idea to make sure Sussex folk are at the heart of the action from day one.
Tickets are now on sale with Super Early Bird discounts . Don’t miss the chance to be part of Midhurst’s newest tradition.
Book Tickets and Find Out More
Festival Highlights at a Glance
- 🎶 Jam at The Wheatsheaf – Friday night jam session, open to all musicians.
- 🎷 Simon Bates: Everyone’s Guide to Jazz & Blues – Accessible, fun intro to jazz.
- 🎺 Vince Dunn Orchestra – Big-band energy guaranteed to lift the roof.
- 🎹 Pablo Murgier’s International Trio – Argentina, Poland, and Britain come together in a one-off collaboration.
- 🎸 Simply Dan – Eleven session musicians recreate Steely Dan’s iconic sound.
- 🍷 Food & Drink – Jazz-inspired menus and Sussex sparkling wine.
- 🗺 Festival Trail – Itineraries linking music, food, and culture across Midhurst.
