Rochester Cathedral Jazz & Blues Festival

Hereford Cathedral is getting ready to host the Three Choirs Festival, Salisbury Cathedral has announced the return of its popular organ prom, Bradford Cathedral’s organ will play a key role in a live celebration of the music of Pink Floyd as part of the City of Culture 2025, and Rochester Cathedral has announced its iconic Jazz festival is back, bigger and better.

Just some of the events visitors can discover at our cathedrals this summer. #WishYouWereHere

Rochester Cathedral Jazz & Blues Festival

The Rochester Cathedral Jazz & Blues Festival is returning for a third year this November.

The Festival not only showcases world class musical acts but plays a vital role in supporting the preservation of this historic landmark.

For the first time, the Festival is expanding across other Medway Churches with gigs taking place in Strood and Rainham.

Curated by jazz legend, James Taylor, the festival features a stellar line up that promises to delight jazz enthusiasts.

Headlining at Rochester Cathedral on the 13th and 14th November are the BBC Big Band with a show inspired by the world of Swing music and the James Taylor Quartet renowned for their funky acid jazz sound. Both performed to packed out crowds last year so advanced booking is highly recommended to avoid missing out on getting tickets.

Two other Medway churches are taking part this year in Rainham and Strood. The renowned Snowboy and the Latin Section will perform at St Nicholas Church in Strood. One of Europe’s leading Afro Cuban Jazz groups this promises to be an unmissable night. St Margaret’s Church in Rainham have become renowned for their diverse arts programming in recent years. They will be welcoming Ronnie Scott’s All Stars with their show exploring the history of the world-famous club and the jazz greats who have performed there.

Musician James Taylor who curated the programme said,

“Using the music to connect up right across the Medway Towns,  the Jazz Festival is for the first time spreading its wings and taking place in not just the Rochester Cathedral but also St Nicholas in Strood for Snowboy’s Latin Section and also St Margaret’s in Rainham for the Ronnie Scott’s band.  Reaching out for unity through music.”

The Rochester Cathedral Jazz and Blues Festival takes place between the 8th – 16th November.  Tickets are on sale now through the Rochester Cathedral here.