Our Kinda Christmas: A Double Serving of Festive Jazz

Join us for a heart-warming evening of jazz and seasonal cheer, filled with swinging music, sing-along classics, and a Santa’s sack-load of mince pies!

A Double Serving of Festive Jazz is a bespoke show created especially for Watford, bringing together some of our finest locally-based musicians with two distinct sets from The Ten Bells Rag Band and The Ilario Ferrari Trio featuring singer Mara Ashton. Plus, a special guest!

The Ten Bells serve up an irresistible blend of New Orleans jazz with a modern twist, driven by rhythm and contagious energy. The Ilario Ferrari Trio delivers a dynamic and heartfelt mix of contemporary jazz, where instrumental brilliance meets expressive, soulful vocals – music that is both deeply engaging and accessible.

Both bands will share some of their signature tunes alongside a sleigh-full of festive favourites. Adding to the magic, Ilario will premiere a brand-new Christmas song and unveil a new arrangement of a much-loved classic, inviting the audience to join in and become part of the show.

This is a night to share with friends and family, to join in with a couple of seasonal songs, to relax and soak up the holiday spirit – the perfect way to kickstart your Christmas celebrations!

More about The Ten Bells Rag Band

The Ten Bells brought the house down in a jam-packed Barbican Foyer at last year’s EFG London Jazz Festival, even impressing visiting officials from the State of Louisiana with their authentic sound. Nearing their tenth year together, the band continues to pack out their monthly residency at London’s Plaquemine Lock and will soon take their music abroad, with a debut performance at The 251 Club in Antalya next year. Expect high-octane New Orleans grooves, Mardi Gras vibes, and festive fun from start to finish.

Line-up: James Conway – trumpet; Simon Conway – trombone; Chris Newstead – clarinet; Paul Staples – guitar/banjo; Stefano Galaragga – double bass; Matt Danby – drums

More about The Ilario Ferrari Trio & Mara Ashton

The Ilario Ferrari Trio – featuring pianist, vocalist, and composer Ilario Ferrari alongside long-time collaborators Charlie Pyne (bass, vocals) and Katie Patterson (drums, vocals) – are known for their vibrant interplay, rich vocal harmonies, and inventive approach to contemporary jazz.

For this special concert, the Trio are joined by acclaimed vocalist Mara Ashton (pictured below left), whose warm and expressive voice adds a new dimension to the trio’s sound. Mara also appears on the trio’s highly praised latest album Above The Clouds, and together they promise an unforgettable set weaving together original music, beloved festive classics, and moments of spontaneity.

And to add even more sparkle to the night we will also be welcoming a very special guest to stage: Orphy Robinson MBE (pictured below right). Orphy is a renowned musician, percussionist and one of the greatest talents on vibraphone the UK has ever produced. And he loves Christmas too!

Tickets

General admission tickets are priced at £25, with profits directly supporting the Watford Jazz Junction Festival (9–17 May 2026).

Children under-16 are welcome for just £10, including a take-home bag of chocolate coins! We suggest that this show is suitable for young people aged 8+ but it's designed for all to enjoy.

Information

Doors open from 7.00pm.

The 2.5-hour show starts at 7.30pm with our first set from The Ten Bells, followed by an interval at 8.30pm. Our second set from The Ilario Ferrari Trio starts at 9pm. We expect to finish a bit after 10.00pm.

Full bar available from 7.00pm and during the interval. NB - card only no cash.

Free parking is available on site, and nearby in Century Retail Park (please check conditions of parking on arrival - usually 4 hours for free). The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre is 4-minute walk from Watford High Street Overground Station.

Access

For disability access, please contact us at jazz@watfordjazzjunction.com to confirm a seat. We have 2 wheelchair friendly spaces available, each at the general admission rate of £25 with an additional companion's seat for free.