Market Hall Headliners
the Market Hall Weekend pass
This year, Brecon Jazz Festival will host performances at the iconic Market Hall, transformed into an intimate 500-capacity concert venue. Don’t miss this chance to experience world-class jazz in a truly unique setting!
🔸 Limited Weekend Passes – These exclusive passes are the only weekend tickets available for Brecon Jazz Festival 2025. They grant access to six incredible shows at Market Hall across the festival weekend, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action. With a limited number available, these will sell fast—secure yours while you can!
🔸 Individual Show Tickets – If you can’t make the whole weekend, tickets are available for each headline performance at Market Hall. Choose your favourite artists and enjoy a standout show in this historic venue.
🎷 Book early to avoid disappointment—Market Hall tickets are expected to sell out quickly!
Hejira
Hejira, the acclaimed seven-piece jazz band dedicated to celebrating Joni Mitchell’s jazz period, will be performing on the Market Hall Mindset Stage on Friday afternoon.
Their enchanting performances and arrangements beautifully reinterpret Joni Mitchell’s music, drawing inspiration from the iconic live album ‘Shadows and Light’
Fronted by the captivating vocals of Hattie Whitehead, Hejira’s lineup features some of the UK’s most talented jazz musicians, who come together to create a powerful and unforgettable live experience.Â
Cleveland Watkiss
The phenomenal Cleveland Watkiss will be our Friday night headliner at Brecon Jazz 2025! A true innovator and one of the UK’s most respected jazz vocalists, Cleveland brings his latest project, ‘The Great Jamaican Songbook’, to the stage. A powerful tribute to the rich musical heritage of Jamaica.
Expect a night of soulful storytelling, infectious rhythms, and a celebration of Jamaica’s musical legacy. This is a set that will move both heart and feet.
Sultan Stevenson
One of London’s most exciting young jazz musicians, Sultan Stevenson, will be performing on the Market Hall Mindset stage on Saturday of the Brecon Jazz Festival.Â
Graduating in 2023 from the Guildhall School of Music, where he studied jazz piano, Sultan has taken the jazz scene by storm. Performing his original music in iconic venues such as ‘The Jazz cafe’ and the renowned ‘EFG London Jazz Festival’ Sultan has proven he is more than an up and comer, he is jazz greatness in the making.Â
In 2023, Stevenson released his debut album, ‘Faithful One’ earning him the ‘Best Newcomer of the Year’ award at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards. His music draws inspiration from jazz greats such as Kenny Kirkland, Geri Allen, and Ahmad Jamal, blending traditional jazz elements with contemporary influences.
Ruby Turner
For our Saturday night headliner we are thrilled to announce Ruby Turner! A true powerhouse of soul, gospel, and R&B, Ruby’s voice is nothing short of legendary. She is able to bring deep emotion to a ballad and infectious energy to a groove.
With a career spanning decades, she remains one of the most electrifying voices in British music. Expect an evening of pure soul, timeless hits, and breathtaking vocals as Ruby Turner lights up Brecon Jazz 2025. This is one performance you won’t want to miss!
Soweto Kinch
We are honoured to welcome legendary saxophonist and rapper Soweto Kinch to the Market Hall Stage for our Sunday headline slot.
Kinch grew up surrounded by music and culture and began playing the saxophone at the age of nine. As he grew, so did his passion for jazz—a passion that he blends with hip-hop to create some of the most versatile and fresh music the genre has seen.
From winning two Urban Music Awards to multiple MOBO Awards for Best Jazz Act, Kinch has solidified himself as a legend, and we can’t wait to hear him play.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Soweto Kinch’s groundbreaking artistry live at the Market Hall Stage. Secure your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable evening of musical innovation.
Jazz Sabbath
The phenomenal Jazz Sabbath will be our Sunday headliner! Set to be a sell out and the perfect way to close Brecon Jazz Festival 2025, this dynamic jazz trio, led by Adam Wakeman of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne’s band, will play the Market Hall Mindset Stage on Sunday, 10th August.
Legend has it that Jazz Sabbath actually wrote Black Sabbath’s biggest hits, only to have them stolen while their pianist was laid up in the hospital in 1969. Now, they’re taking back their tunes, reimagining classic rock anthems as moody, high energy jazz.
This is jazz like you’ve never heard it before. Don’t miss the chance to see Jazz Sabbath bring down the house.
Announcements
Brecon Jazz Taster Session
Join us on April 12th for our ‘Spring Time Springboard for Jazz’ mini-festival. To get ready for August we are putting on a one-day multi venue event featuring a number of free or ticketed concerts by talented artists and acts some of whom will be performing at the main festival this summer. This is the perfect opportunity to get a sneak peek of what’s to come in August. The Taster Session is open to everyone – Tickets coming soon, sign up to the newsletter for updates.
Festival Headliners Announced!
We’re delighted to announce the phenomenal Cleveland Watkiss as our Friday night headliner at Brecon Jazz Festival 2025! A true innovator and one of the UK’s most respected jazz vocalists, Cleveland brings his latest project, ‘The Great Jamaican Songbook’, to the stage—a powerful tribute to the rich musical heritage of Jamaica.
We’re thrilled to announce the incredible Ruby Turner as our Saturday night headliner at the Market Hall Stage! A true powerhouse of soul, gospel, and R&B, Ruby’s voice is nothing short of legendary—able to bring deep emotion to a ballad and infectious energy to a groove
We’re honoured to announce the phenomenal Jazz Sabbath as our Sunday headliner! Set to be a sell-out and the perfect way to close Brecon Jazz 2025, this dynamic jazz trio, led by Adam Wakeman of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne’s band, will play the Market Hall Mindset Stage on Sunday, 10th August.
We are delighted to announce multi award winning Dutch artist Saskia Laroo will be performing at The Muse and Guildhall venues over the weekend. A soft trumpeter, Saskia will be performing a Miles Davis themed show and a contemporary jazz fusion set.Â
Other confirmed artists for 2025 include Llareggub, who will be accompanying the community Frazz parade  and performing on the outside Bullwark stage on Saturday afternoon. Also on Saturday we are delighted to welcome Ursula Harrison, BBC young jazz musician of the year 2024, who will be accompanying Silvey Noble on vocals at The Muse.Â
CollaborationsÂ
We are delighted to be working in close partnership with Dionne Bennett from Tan Cerdd. The Brecon Jazz Festival will be co-promoting Cleveland Watkins as the Friday night Market Hall headliner.  Tan Cerdd will also be programming the Bethal Square stage on Sunday afternoon  to ensure a rich programme of diverse artists.
Dionne will be performing herself at The Muse with her band ‘The Pepper Seeds’.Â
We will also be working in partnership with Lleswyl, an online festival accessible for people who are unable to leave their homes.Â
Volunteering Positions Now Open!
Head over to the ‘get involved’ section of the website to apply for a volunteering position at Brecon Jazz 2025! “Whether you help for a few hours or the entire weekend, your contribution is invaluable in creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for performers and visitors alike” Click here for more information.
Traders Can Now Apply!
Are you a vendor or trader looking to showcase your products at one of Wales’ most celebrated festivals? Applications are now open for traders to join Brecon Jazz Festival 2025! Whether you sell handcrafted goods, delicious food, or unique items, this is your chance to be part of an unforgettable weekend. Visit our Traders Enquiry page to learn more and apply today!
Tickets On Sale Soon!
Get ready! Tickets for Brecon Jazz Festival 2025 will be available soon. Don’t miss your chance to experience world-class jazz performances, vibrant community spirit, and the magical atmosphere of Brecon. Keep an eye on our website and social media for the official release date!
Stay in the Loop with Our Newsletter
Want the latest updates on the festival? Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about artist announcements, ticket releases, and special events. It’s the best way to stay connected and ensure you don’t miss a beat at BJF2025!
Official Brecon Jazz Festival Venues
Brecon Market Hall: Mindset Stage
The Muse: The World and Wales
A favorite spot for locals, The Brecon Tap combines craft beers and great food with regular live music nights, including jazz sessions that are perfect for a laid-back evening out.
Theatr Brycheiniog - Saturday Main Stage
Bethel Square
Bulwark Stage
Busking Zones
St Mary's Church
Fringe Venues
Brecon Jazz Festival is woven into the fabric of the Brecon community, making it a unique and special experience. While the official festival performances take place at venues across the town, the spirit of jazz extends far beyond. Throughout the weekend, local pubs, cafes, and businesses of all kinds come alive, joining in the celebration and creating a vibrant atmosphere.
These businesses make up the Brecon Jazz Festival Fringe. Our fringe venues play an essential role in supporting the wider festival, offering a platform for live music and enriching the cultural buzz of Brecon. During the day, you’ll find performances filling the air, while evenings transform into lively showcases of contemporary sounds. Together, the entire town becomes a stage, making Brecon Jazz Festival an unforgettable community celebration.