BRINGING WORLD CLASS MUSIC TO OUR CITY.

Bristol Jazz Festival was founded in 2013 by a small group of musicians and creatives, hoping to carry on the tradition of world class jazz in Bristol.

We continue to be a passionate grassroots group of local people; we exist to foster joy within our community, creating experiences that bring togetherness and enrich the soul.

In March ’24 we relocated to our new home at Tobacco Factory Theatres and Tobacco Factory Cafe & Bar, to immerse ourselves in the vibrant and diverse community of South Bristol, expanding our loyal and supportive Jazz Festival audience.

We are community minded; giving a platform to local musicians alongside our world class programming, and making music accessible to all. We boost our local community and are continually searching for new ways to reduce our environmental impact.

Meet Our Team

  • Katya Gorrie

    Festival Director

    Our fearless leader, Director and Organizer, Katya has been with the festival for over a decade. A prominent jazz vocalist, Katya stepped into the Director role in 2024. This new era of the Jazz Festival is characterized by her devotion to inclusion and creativity, and a relentless drive to create the one of the best Jazz Festivals in the world.

  • Nigel Evans

    Chair of Trustees

    As Chair of Trustees for the Bristol Jazz Festival, Nigel’s role is multifaceted. He supports our dedicated operational team, ensure we fulfil our responsibilities as a charity, and passionately spread the word about this incredible Festival. Having joined in 2016, Nigel ensures the Festival thrives and reaches audiences far and wide.

  • Simon Hall

    Festival Volunteer Co-ordinator

    Simon brings together all the elements of an amazing festival weekend, he is our volunteer coordinator, production assistant, workshop specialist, and overall organising lead for all festival activities. Catch him on the dance floor swinging, and curating jazz events all around Bristol!

  • Beth Clement Davies

    Media & Marketing

    Beth joined Bristol Jazz Festival in March 2024, having called Bristol home for 12 years. As media and marketing manager, Beth takes care of our comms, assists with production and fosters relationships with local businesses. When she’s not elevating the festival’s presence, you’ll find her exploring Bristol's bustling food scene.

  • Chris Befeld

    Designer & Producer

    Chris joined the festival in 2023 after moving to Bristol from Texas. A passionate design & music professional, Chris oversees the festivals brand, digital platforms, visual artist collaborations and more. He isn't too shabby on the drum kit either! Yeehaw!

  • Con McHugh

    Art Director

    Con gained recognition for his self-initiated animated poster series for the Bristol Jazz Festival before being brought on board to join the team officially! With a background in design, illustration, and animation, and a dedicated online following, he loves seeking simple yet clever ideas that make people smile and linger in the mind long after.

Contact us.

info@bristoljazzfestival.co.uk
Bristol, UK