Guildford Jazz and Challengers are delighted to invite you to Wood Street Jazz Festival for the return of some soul-stirring jazz in 2026! On Sunday 19 July we will be welcoming you to a wonderful afternoon on Wood Street Village Green, all in support of Challengers.
Headlining this year be the multi-award winning LIANE CARROLL, one of the most popular and dynamic vocalists in the UK, plus the JAMES DAVISON & CALUM AU QUINTET bringing the atmosphere and vibe of 50’s and 60’s jazz to life for the modern day.
Plus of course a set from the SOMETHIN’ ELSE BIG BAND and some fresh faces on the newcomer’s stage!
Tickets are now on sale with a Special 'early bird' offer on all tickets until Tuesday 7 April (after Easter weekend)!
EVENT INFO
We're looking forward to an amazing afternoon of live music on Wood Street Village Green, from 1.30pm to 6pm
Gates open 12:45 , Indian meals served 1pm
Depending on the weather, please bring sunblock, hats, plenty to drink, or brollies! There are also a few spaces available if you want to bring your own gazebo (please contact Challengers to confirm).
There's plenty of on-site parking, disabled toilets and a bar. Feel free to bring a picnic if not ordering an Indian meal, or buy fish and chips from the van on site, and please bring picnic chairs/rugs. There are details at the bottom of the page on how to find us.
Every penny raised at this event supports disabled young people to access play and leisure at Challengers. Thank you very much for your continued support, we look forward to you joining us for an afternoon of Jazz on the green.
Well behaved dogs are welcome on a lead.
Our Sponsors
If you would like to sponsor the Festival, please contact us by emailing info@guildfordjaz.org.uk
TICKETS
Early Bird offer Adults £25, Guildford Jazz Member £22.50, students £10, under 13 free
Save 10% with a group ticket of 4 people £90 (£80 for Guildford Jazz Members)
Don’t forget to book a slot if you want to bring a gazebo or camper van
There will also be the chance to pre-order food again with a choice of chicken tikka masala or vegetable tikka masala both with sag bhaji, onion bhaji, pilau rice, naan bread & pickles. Meals are £13 each and we are very grateful for The Shahin Restaurant for donating all of the curries to the event.
WHO'S PLAYING?
LIAN E CARROLL TRIO
Liane Carroll is one of the most popular and dynamic vocalists in the UK. Multiple times winner of the BBC Jazz Awards for Best Vocalist, Marston Pedigree Jazz Award for best vocalist, Jazz Musician of the Year and Jazz Album of the Year in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, plus a Gold award from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA). Liane has dedicated her life to creating a deep and abiding connection with audiences all over the world through her exceptional talent, versatility and ability to interpret a song.
Jazz critic Dave Gelly of The Observer has described her as "one of the most stylistically flexible pianists around, with a marvellous, slightly husky singing voice". According to John Fordham of The Guardian, she is "a powerful, soul-inflected performer with an Ella Fitzgerald-like improv athleticism and an emotional frankness on ballads". Peter Quinn of Jazzwise says: "Liane Carroll has that rare ability to meld effortless, often transcendent vocal and piano technique, with heart stopping emotion and soul bearing power."
The musical interplay and evident good humour and camaradarie between Liane and her husband/bass player Roger Carey, and drummer Russell Field, makes for a wonderful performance of entertainment, jazz mastery and emotions. This is bound to be a very popular highlight of the Festival!
JAMES DAVISON & CALLUM AU QUINTET
An exciting quintet led by two highly regarded, award-winning young jazz musicians, trumpeter James Davison and trombonist Callum Au, bringing the atmosphere and vibe of 50’s and 60’s jazz to life for the modern day!
Broadly inspired by the music of the classic 1960s Clark Terry/Bob Brookmeyer Quintet, the band plays a selection of hard-swinging originals and covers of some of the best of the Terry/Brookmeyer repertoire.
Expect a set of joyous, soulful, swinging music, at which you can’t help but smile!
SOMETHIN’ ELSE BIG BAND
Our favourite local band are back!
While over on the Newcomer’s stage…
Alice Milburn Quartet
Hampshire-based composer and vocalist Alice Milburn recently released a debut jazz album called ‘First Expressions’, featuring original contemporary jazz compositions and a few interpretations of standards; all with a strong focus on lyrical storytelling and vocal improvisation. A multi-instrumentalist and experienced performer with notable appearances at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the Royal Albert Hall, we look forward to welcoming Alice and her quartet to the Wood Street Festival
DIRECTIONS
The address is Wood Street Village Green, GU3 3EU
There'll be marshalls on site to direct you to the parking area at the far end of the Green.
Gates open from 12pm
SEATING
Please bring your own picnic chairs/rugs.
Some seats will also be provided inside the marquee.