Jazz festival postponed due to funding challenges

A jazz festival says it is taking a year off because of "significant funding challenges".

Bristol Jazz Festival was supposed to take place between 11 and 13 April but organisers have now announced a fallow year.

However, a jazz event will take place in May to provide "much-needed" funds to keep the festival going from 2026.

Katya Gorrie, artistic director of Bristol Jazz Festival, said they had decided to "put as much energy as possible" into raising money for 2026 and future years.

A fundraiser at The Mount Without, a 900-year-old former church next to St Michael's Hill, will take place on 28 May, with acts due to be announced later this month.

Meanwhile, Jazz in the Loft will be held at The Tobacco Factory in Southville, which will see jazz artist Joe Webb perform and give a masterclass in April.

Ms Gorrie said: "We are certainly not the only ones to be affected by budget cuts, so we have decided to put as much energy as possible into raising funds and awareness this year in order to carry on for 2026 and beyond.

"We will use this year to work with our local communities and partners to build a sustainable future for the festival and call upon the festival's dedicated supporters to play an active role in shaping its future through membership programmes, fundraising events, and sponsorship opportunities."

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.