Liverpool’s jazz scene is stepping into a vibrant new chapter this year. Parrjazz has curated a brand‑new fringe festival to sit alongside the long‑established Liverpool International Jazz Festival, creating a dynamic and exciting addition to the city’s cultural calendar.
Running from 21st February to 1st March, the Parrjazz Fringe Festival is set to make history as Liverpool’s first-ever grassroots jazz festival. It brings together an eclectic mix of musicians—ranging from talented artists in their twenties to seasoned performers with decades of experience behind them. This blend of generations promises a programme full of fresh energy, deep musical heritage, and everything in between.
What truly sets this fringe festival apart is its commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and artist-led curation. Parrjazz has long championed community-driven music, and this festival amplifies that ethos. Artists have played a major role in shaping the lineup, ensuring a festival that reflects the breadth of the city’s talent and the creativity at the heart of its jazz community.
Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or simply curious to explore something new, the Parrjazz Fringe Festival offers a welcoming space to discover the richness of Liverpool’s independent jazz culture.
There’s plenty to get excited about, with the full programme below you’re sure to find something to enjoy:
Saturday 21st February 2026 – Free entry, just turn up!
Afternoon Jazz Showcase – Baltic Market, Stanhope Street – 12noon to 5pm, live music from 12:30pm
- Jack Taylor Ensemble – Virtuoso guitar jazz, jazz, funk, Latin, and fusion
- Bearcat Gumbo – All female five-piece who play jaunty, jazz-age tunes
- DJ Copious Notes & DJ Jabjazz – all-vinyl jazz-spectrum DJs
Thursday 26th February 2026 Early Bird Tickets Here
Improvised Art Jazz – Hobo Pub, Jamaica Street – 8pm to 12am, live music from 9pm
- Weirdo jazz-spectrum DJ
- Ensemble ft. Jack Lewis (Guitar), Nick Branton (Reeds) and Joel Howley (Drums) improvising music triggered by the Hobo Pub art installations, Art Films and audience postcard suggestions
Friday 27th February 2026 Early Bird Tickets Here
Mutant Jazz #9 – Quarry, Hardman Street – 8pm until very late, live music from 9pm
- Bonk! – Theatrical funk
- Tian Qiyi – Chinese dub jazz psych fusion
- Misha Gray’s Intergalactic Jazz Quintet – Off-planet super-group
- Grounded Thread – Contemporary jazz with cello and tap-dancing ft. Alex McDowall (Guitar), Pablo Sonnaillon (Bass), Georgina Aasgaard (Cello) and Sole Rebel UK tap-dancers
- MC Motormouf hosting
- DJ Copious Notes – all-vinyl jazz-spectrum DJ
Saturday 28th February 2026 Early Bird Tickets Here
Jazz and cake – Commune, Constance Street – 4pm-6pm
- In-house vinyl Jazz DJ
- Frank Griffith Ensemble session ft. Frank Griffith (Sax/Clarinet), Viktor Nordberg (Drums) and Dan Barreto (Bass)
- Vegan friendly cakes
Saturday 28th February 2026 Early Bird Tickets Here
Secret Jazz Explosion with Jam – Quarry, Hardman Street – 8pm until very late, live music from 9pm
- Grassroots jazz ensemble Finite Experience
- Vinyl DJs
- Featured artists – Elmss and Blueprint
- MC Motormouf hosting
- Mahoosive live jam led by Finite Experience!
Sunday 1st March 2026 Early Bird Tickets Here
LIJF Fringe Closing Party – Quarry, Hardman Street – 8pm until late, live music from 9pm
- Mutant Jazz DJs
- Lydia Reece – Jazz/Soul composer and singer
- La Jiba – Hi-Energy contemporary Jazz grooves
- Long format live jam session with Piraya Quintet
- MC Motormouf hosting
Categories: 2026 | Festivals & Events | Music & Dance
