The Midhurst Jazz, Food & Blues Festival has unveiled details of the Festival Fringe, as sponsored by us, Sussex Exclusive, with multiple performances and activities across town from 11 am on both Saturday and Sunday, 15 and 16 November! If you haven’t heard yet, the Midhurst Jazz, Food & Blues Festival is a new event bringing something world-class and completely unique to the town. And it’s shaping up to be quite a festival.
This is not just about coming to one event or one gig; this is about making a day, or even a weekend of it. If you can, head to Midhurst on Friday afternoon and stay overnight, or alternatively, get to Midhurst early morning to make the most of your day.
Things to do in Midhurst
When you arrive, why not start with a bit of Christmas shopping, a walk at Cowdray, or a visit to the ruins?
Have coffee and breakfast at Comestibles, visit Fairview Wines, a great place to stock up on local wine and browse the antique shop, ladies’ clothing and book shops. If you have more time, grab a map from the Cowdray Farm Shop and see if you can find the Queen Elizabeth I oak, so called because legend has it that the great queen rested beneath it. She’s quite a beauty (the tree, that is).
Your Festival planning
Over the weekend, the Festival fun starts from 11 am and there will be things to do and music to hear all day long. Ahead of your visit, check out the Festival Map (maybe print off a copy and bring it with you) so you can see all the Festival venues, plan your day and book any events that need booking. You can cherry-pick those events you’d like to see.
There is lots going on for you Friday nighters, including The Robin Bibi Band and a Friday night jam session. On Saturday, Everyone’s Guide to Jazz & Blues at Kemælli’s in the centre of town is a great place to start. Simon Bates is one of Britain’s top saxophonists, and he’ll be doing a 90-minute session tailored for anyone curious about the provenance and unique natures of jazz and blues music.
Then grab a bit of lunch and perhaps head over to the Gypsy Jazz Guitar Workshop at The Wheatsheaf or make your way to Rother College for The Vince Dunn Orchestra and a fusion of classic big band swing, Latin rhythms and funk grooves. Or for a fuller Festival experience, book yourself in for one of the food and music pairings (available at the headline lunches and suppers exclusively at Memorial Hall and Rother College). As you’d expect, the menus are inspired by the music to make this a more immersive event and we’ve seen the tasters – they look fantastic!
The lineup
- Amuse Manouche Trio
- Bad Influence
- Barry & Alison
- Big House!
- Charlie Allen
- Everyone’s Guide To Jazz and Blues
- Gypsy Jazz Guitar Workshop
- History Of The Blues In Five Iconic Songs
- John Oddie from Brassneck Blues
- Karen Whittingham
- Keziah
- Marco Piccioni
- Martin Gray
- Masterclass with Argentine Pablo Murgier
- Masterclass with Errol Linton
- Psychedelic Hearts Club
- Ross Harding
- Sax & Uke
- Slim Estrada
- ¡Tango, Tango, Tango!
- The Festival Tea Party with Manhattan Groove!
- Friday Night Jam Session
- Perello Duo
- Saturday Night Jam Session
- The Substitutes
- Vince Dunn Jazz Drumming Workshop
For the full line-up: Midhurst Jazz, Food and Blues
The weather may be cold, but the atmosphere in Midhurst is going to be sizzling and what a way to get into the festive spirit and support the wonderful town of Midhurst. For more information and to book your tickets, visit:https://www.midhurstjazzandblues.com/schedule
