About Bray Jazz Festival

From left: Bill Frisell, Andrew Hill, Joe Lovano, Eliane Elias.

Bray International Jazz Festival is a contemporary improvised music festival that takes place on the May Bank Holiday weekend, each year.

The event will mark its 25th year, in 2026.

Leading figures from contemporary jazz from across the globe have appeared at the event, along with the leading performers in jazz music in Ireland.

Artists that have appeared at Bray Jazz include: Joe Lovano, Eliane Elias, Dave Douglas, Bobo Stenson, Tord Gustavsen, Steve Coleman, Andrew Hill, Bill Frisell, John Scofield, Marius Neset, Ambrose Akinmusiri, and Nubya Garcia.

Bray Jazz receives funding support each year from the Arts Council of Ireland. The event is also backed by Wicklow County Council, and currently receives sponsorship support from The Harbour Bar, Firefly Hotel, The Glenview Hotel, East Coast FM, Wicklow Wolf Brewing Company, Glendalough Distillery, Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre and Whelehan’s Wines.

You can read here a list of international guests that have performed at Bray Jazz over the past 25 years.