EFG London Jazz Festival has shared the first wave of acts playing its 2026 edition later this year.
Taking over several venues across London over the course of 10 days, the festival will this year feature a set from Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara, who will headline the Roundhouse. Samara Joy will also return to the festival following sets in 2023 and 2024, with an appearance at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall.
With 2026 marking the centenary of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, the festival will also take in several special performances in their honour. One of those will see Emma-Jean Thackray take inspiration from Davis’ electric era as she reimagines his work within a dance music context for a show titled Dear Miles – A Love Letter at EartH. The Barbican, meanwhile, will host Coltrane 100: Both Directions At Once, featuring Joe Lovano, Melissa Aldana, Nduduzo Makhathini, Linda May Han Oh and Jeff “Tain” Watts.
Further highlights of the initial lineup announcement include Morcheeba at Troxy; GoGo Penguin doing two nights at KOKO; Ben Folds at Royal Festival Hall; and Kronos Quartet at Queen Elizabeth Hall. Lots more acts will be added to the bill in the coming months.
EFG London Jazz Festival will take place from 13 to 22 November 2026. Find more information here.
