THE WATFORD JAZZ JUNCTION MUSIC FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE ACROSS WATFORD
18–21 MAY 2023

Introduction

Welcome to the 2023 Watford Jazz Junction music festival, this year celebrating the influence of the Caribbean on UK jazz with a fabulous line-up of musicians heading to town.

Our opening night features an infectious mix of soul, reggae and jazz with singers Omar & Zara McFarlane at the Watford Palace Theatre.

We then move to the Pump House for 2 days with shows from Xhosa Cole, Emma Rawicz, Cleveland Watkiss, and a live broadcast from Jazz FM.

Our final day is a free-to-attend celebration of music across 5 pub venues as part of our festival within a festival: Jazz Steps Around Oxhey Village.

Our festival rounds off with another free performance from global steel-pan star Leon Foster Thomas who plays with his band on Watford Heath on Sunday 21 May at 5pm.

There’s also a Jazz Workshop for Young Ones and a special Prosecco Jazz Brunch hosted by Ruth Fisher.

Image of Omar who sings on 18 May 2023 at the Watford Jazz Junction

Image of Zara McFarlane who sings on 18 May 2023 at the Watford Jazz Junction

UPCOMING EVENTS

Festival Launch with London Square
22 Apr, 14:00 – 16:00
London Square Watford, St Albans Rd, Watford WD24 6PR, UK
Sign-up to hear the John Watson Trio live at our 2023 Festival Launch event, in partnership with this year's sponsors, London Square
Details

Ruth Fisher's Prosecco Jazz Brunch featuring John Altman
13 May, 10:00 – 12:30
Halsey Hall, Rickmansworth Rd, Watford WD18 0JE, UK
Join us for a very special jazz brunch hosted by Jazz FM's Ruth Fisher featuring acclaimed composer & musician John Altman.
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Omar and Zara McFarlane: opening night gala show
18 May, 19:30
Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Rd, Watford WD17 1JZ, UK
The opening night of the Watford Jazz Junction 2023 features the legendary soul singer Omar and the UK's Black British foremost jazz vocalist Zara McFarlane. The ticket link below opens the Watford Palace Theatre booking page within their website.
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Xhosa Cole Quartet
19 May, 20:00
Watford Pump House Theatre, 5 Local Board Rd, Watford WD17 2JP, UK
One of the UK's most exciting breakthrough saxophonists brings his quartet to Watford.
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Jazz for Young Ones Percussion Workshop
20 May, 09:30 – 12:00
Watford Pump House Theatre, 5 Local Board Rd, Watford WD17 2JP, UK
An interactive percussion workshop for young people aged 4-12 years old, including a performance in the Pump House Theatre.
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Emma Rawicz Quintet
20 May, 14:15 – 16:30
Watford Pump House Colne River Studio, 5 Local Board Rd, Watford WD17 2JP, UK
Rising sax superstar Emma Rawicz brings her star-studded quintet to play her first-ever show in Watford. Plus an opening set from the Oscar Lyons Quartet.
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Cleveland Watkiss presents The Great Jamaican Songbook
20 May, 20:00
Watford Pump House Theatre, 5 Local Board Rd, Watford WD17 2JP, UK
A high-energy and hard-hitting evening of Caribbean reggae & jazz presented by the award-winning singer Cleveland Watkiss alongside a truly exceptional band.
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Jazz Steps Around Oxhey Village: a free family-friendly event
21 May, 12:30 – 17:00
Across Oxhey Village, Watford WD19, UK - reached from Bushey Railway Station
A completely free to attend afternoon of live New Orleans, reggae, fusion, blues, jazz and more across Oxhey Village.
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Leon Foster Thomas: a free event
21 May, 17:00
Watford Heath, Watford WD19, UK
A free show on Watford Heath presenting the globally acclaimed talents of steelpan and jazz maestro, Leon Foster Thomas and his sextet.
Details