Music: Cambridge Jazz Festival brings living legends to town

From Courtney Pine to Tanita Tikaram: the lineup for this month’s Cambridge Jazz Festival is packed with living legends

“This is more than a festival; it’s a movement to bridge communities, generations and genres, placing jazz in conversation with the world today.” So says Roslin Russell, co-director and co-founder of Cambridge Jazz Festival, which brings 40 events to the city and surrounds this month.

Marking the festival’s 11th year, the 2025 lineup spans big names, break-out talents and way-paving female performers: living jazz legend Courtney Pine CBE brings his signature sax (November 21), TikTok sensation Stella Cole showcases her viral vocals (November 15) and singer-songwriter Tanita Tikaram plays her chart-topping back catalogue (November 16).

Alongside the main programme, which also features high octane brass band The Brass Funkeys (November 15) and BBC Young Jazz Musician Award winner Alex Ridout (November 20), you’ll find workshops, fringe gigs and community performances.

Adds multi-instrumentalist and composer Orphy Robinson MBE, artist-in-residence at Jesus College and festival performer: “Expect a thrilling 360° experience, bursting with layers of artistry and creativity that capture the true spirit of our times.”

The festival runs November 9-23. Full programme and tickets at cambridgejazzfestival.info