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Please bring your ticket to the festival, either a printed paper copy or show the QR code on your mobile device / phone. Please make sure everyone in your party has a unique ticket as a QR code will need to be scanned for each entry to the festival.
Gate A is found on the Church Point path which runs between the Gardens and the bowling greens and tennis courts. At Gate A you can find the Box Office and Merchandise Stand.
Gate B is found at the end of Blackmore Drive.
Gate C is found on Church Lane which runs between the Methodist Church in the north and the Parish Church in the south. Please note this gate will only open on Saturday, Sunday & Monday daytimes.
| Thursday 23rd May | Friday 24th May | Saturday 25th May | Sunday 26th May | Monday 27th May | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gate A | 12pm - 11pm | 12pm - 11pm | 10am - 11pm | 10am -11pm | 10am -11pm |
| Gate B | 7pm - 11pm | 7pm - 11pm | 10am - 5.30pm 7pm - 11pm | 10am - 5.30pm 7pm - 11pm | 10am - 5.30pm 7pm - 11pm |
| Gate C | CLOSED | CLOSED | 10am - 5.30pm | 10am - 5.30pm | 10am - 5.30pm |
On arrival to the festival please head to Gate A where your ticket QR code will be scanned and exchanged for your festival wristband or lanyard. This allows you to come and go as you please throughout the festival. You can use any gate that is open, but you will have priority access at Gate A.
Please head to Gate A anytime that it is open to get your QR code scanned and receive your festival wristband. This will give you access to the three days of daytime music – you can use any of the Gates to enter or exit the festival.
Please head to Gate A anytime that it is open to get your QR code scanned and receive your festival wristband. This will give you access to the daytime music – you can use any of the Gates to enter or exit the festival.
Access to the festival is only permitted from 7pm onwards. If you have a daytime music ticket along with an evening ticket for the same day you may stay in the concession and bar area of the Gardens from 5.30pm – 7pm.
Priority Seated Area Ticket Holders – Please head to Gate B where your ticket will be scanned. Make sure you bring your own seat.
General Admission Tickets – All tickets marked as General Admission (sold on or before 20/04/2024) will be treated as Priority Seated Area tickets, please head to Gate B on arrival at the festival. Please bring your own seat.
Standard Admission Ticket Holders – Please head to Gate A where your ticket will be scanned.
If available you will be available to buy tickets at the Box Office whenever Gate A is open. Please note discounts etc cannot be used at the Box Office but are only available via our official Ticket Tailor online box office.
All tickets will be scanned at the relevant venue – your ticket will say whether to head to the Parish Church or Methodist Church. Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes before the time on the ticket as sessions will start on time!
We are pleased to recommend that ample parking is available at the Sidmouth Rugby Club during the festival. Evening and daytime parking passes are available for just £5.00 payable on entry to the club either by card or cash.
Five-day parking passes Thursday 23 – Monday 27 May available for just £15.00.
Blackmore Gardens is less than 50 meters away from the car park.
Access for parking will be available at the following times and days.
DIRECTIONS
Sidmouth Rugby Club is located on Heydon’s Lane, Sidmouth, EX10 8NJ Devon.
Gates at 7pm
Music starts at 8pm
Tony will perform some of the greatest swing songs from a classic era of music, alongside some stylish reworkings of his own classic hits. He will be performing songs by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Frank Sinatra; alongside solo songs as well as Spandau hits like ‘True’ and ‘Gold’ that introduced the world to his iconic voice.
Gates at 7pm
Music starts at 7.30pm
Roachford has become one of the most compelling and consistent rock and soul artists the UK has produced, since Cuddly Toy (a mainstay of radio airplay for over three decades) reached number four in the charts back in 1988. He has released 10 studio albums and several greatest hits collections, been sought-after as a songwriter by the likes of Michael Jackson, Joss Stone and Chaka Khan, and consistently toured on his own and with contemporaries including Terence Trent D’Arby and The Christians.
Collaborating for the first time while recording and performing with one of the UK’s most commercially successful Acid Jazz bands The Brand-New Heavies in 2013, founder and drummer Jan Kincaid and vocalist Dawn Joseph discovered immediate musical chemistry and began writing songs together right away. They soon left the band to concentrate on their own work, starting MF Robots (Music for Robots) and releasing an eponymous debut in 2018. The band have toured the world and were personally asked by Lenny Kravitz to support him on his last European Arena tour – The band’s latest record ‘Break the Wall’ is out on BBE Records and including contributions from studio legends, Gail Anne Dorsey (David Bowie) and Cory Wong (Vulfpeck).
Gates at 7pm
Music starts at 8pm
From his early days as a junior virtuoso pianist at the Buena Vista Social Club, Roberto Fonseca has been an accomplished and adventurous performer. Previous releases have seen him blend traditional styles with a variety of modern influences. 2012’s ‘7 Rayos’ offered a cocktail of Cuban sounds, classical music, West-African instruments, electronic music and spoken word poetry. He has worked with Baba Sissoko and Fatoumata Diawara in Africa on 2015’s ‘At Home’ album. Most recently, on 2019’s ‘Yesun’ he collaborated with Ibrahim Maalouf and Cuban rap’s rising star Danay Suárez.
Gates at 7pm
Music starts at 8pm
Ruby Turner is a national and international treasure, having already been awarded with the prestigious Gold Badge Award, for her contribution to British music. Ruby Turner was born in Jamaica and grew up in Montego Bay. Her Grandfather sang the lead in one of the Island’s Gospel Groups. Moving to England when she was 9, Ruby has lived here ever since. Her career to date has always had many unexpected twists and turns with major tours, theatre, and TV appearances, and touring with Jools Holland, the future continues to look positive.
Gates at 7pm
Music starts at 7.30pm
Releasing her debut album ‘Heaven Knows’ to critical acclaim in 2023, Mica Millar has quickly become one of the brightest new stars of British Soul music, picking up Jazz FM’s prestigious ‘Soul Act of The Year 2022’ award alongside a nomination for ‘Breakthrough Act of The Year’ and featuring on the front covers of iconic Blues & Soul Magazine, amidst international radio support and an array of five star reviews and acclaim from the likes of Echoes, The Daily Express, Record Collector, Music Week, The Official Charts and Word Play.
Elles Bailey is a blues and Americana artiste who rises like a rocket in the music sky by day, both on the European and the American side of the Atlantic. Elles Bailey wanders unchallenged and freely between the various styles of roots music and receives awards both as best Blues artiste and as best Americana artiste.
You will require a daytime music ticket to enter the gardens during the day on Saturday to Monday, weekend tickets are available now. Single day tickets will be released nearer the festival, but numbers will be limited, so get your tickets now!
Daytime Ticket Required – gates open at 10am
Betty Accorsi is an Italian saxophone player, multi-instrumentalist and composer, and is currently based in the United Kingdom.
Combining their original material with songs by the likes of Jaques Brel, Leornard Cohen, Tom Waits & Eartha Kitt. Moscow Drug Club provide an intoxicating & intimate musical experience.
Phil Dawson is a guitarist and composer from the UK. He learned his art working with an array of well-known artists from different African, Brazilian, Jazz and Funk traditions.
Russell Sinclair and The Smokin’ Locos are based in Plymouth, where they have several residencies, they regularly appear at music venues throughout Devon and Cornwall and the South West, as well at various music festivals through the country.
With 17 studio albums to his own name in a career spanning three decades, Ian Shaw is also a talented pianist, song writer, presenter, record producer and actor. Shaw’s recordings and live performances as a jazz singer have been recognised by two BBC jazz awards (2004 and 2007), a Parliamentary award (2018) and numerous award nominations including Downbeat Magazine (2017) and Jazz FM (2013 and 2019).
Daytime Ticket Required – gates open at 10am
From jazz to soul, from downbeat to outright pop, this Bristol soul boy is cooking up essential new music.
Hailing from the vibrant blues scene in Bristol, this talented band has quickly gained recognition for their soulful sound, electrifying performances, and an acclaimed debut album released last November.
Experience ‘Lady Nade Sings Nina Simone’ – an extraordinary celebration of Nina Simone’s timeless legacy. Lady Nade, acclaimed for her unique and award-winning vocal talent, stands as a shining star in the UK music scene.
Led by one of the UK’s most formidable jazz pianists, George Cooper, The Jazz Defenders are a group born from a deep love of Blue Note jazz, drawing on a wealth of inspiration to craft their own raw and vibrant compositions. Having played several shows at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club as well as many other prestigious venues in the UK, they continue to electrify audiences with their energy and virtuosity.
There can be no denying that the pyrotechnic Snowboy And The Latin Section are Europe’s leading Afro Cuban Jazz group. From their debut release in 1985, they have released 16 albums and played concerts and festivals in over 22 countries.
Daytime Ticket Required – gates open at 10am
Burning up red-hot classics from 70s New York, Colombia, Puerto Rico and beyond, they should be arrested for arson! Get ready for that infectious Latin Caribbean groove, big fat horns and killer vocals!
Powerful modern jazz, deep contemporary grooves, lush harmonies, and memorable melodies amongst expressive, rich, and dynamic improvisation from a quintet comprising celebrated UK musicians and bandleaders.
Jonah Hitchens blends soul, funk, psychedelia and jazz into a single exhilarating mash up. If Curtis Mayfield jammed with Jimi Hendrix, it might sound just like this. Jonah will front his 8-piece band with soulful vocals, swirling guitar riffs and bucketloads of charisma.
At just 19-years-old, Toby Lee has a musical CV that many would take a lifetime to achieve. Come and see one of the best blues guitarist in the UK.
Her storytelling style harkens to age-old blues traditions while grounding itself in contemporary themes. Armed with passion, a unique perspective, and a voice that stops people in their tracks Acantha will end our daytime mustic programme on a high.
For full details of the education please visit the relevant page on the website or just download a copy of the guide.
The Jazz elements of the programme can be found in the Parish Church and the Blues elements in the Methodist Church. Please remember to arrive 15 minutes before the session is due to start (shown on your ticket) as sessions will start on time!
Your QR code will be scanned on arrival – book your place if you haven’t already!
There is so much going on throughout Sidmouth during the Festival, please check out the Fringe Venues and Events page for the latest information.
The following is available in Blackmore Gardens
Bar – Branscombe Brewery
This year inline with our eco commitments and in consultation with Sidmouth Town Council we will not be using any single use plastic in the bar. Branscombe Brewery are operating a reusable cup scheme; you can purchase a cup for £1 which you can reuse throughout the festival and take home if you wish! You can also bring your own drinking vessel which will be filled at the bar – glass is not allowed on site.
Food concessions
Fancy That – Carribean Food
Pizza Butlers – Stone Fired Pizzas
East Devon Ice Creams
Big Bear Burgers – Posh burgers and hot dogs
Thai Food to Go
Panacrepe and Chubby Cherros
Rincon Coffee
Fully Loaded Fries
More to be confirmed.
Please note no food or drink will be allowed into the gardens except water. No glass containers may be brought on site.
Enjoy the luxury offered by our VIP packages – you get the following:
The VIP Festival Package includes access to all 5 evening concerts and the 3 days of daytime music.
A corporate VIP Package includes tickets for a table of 4 guests for one of the evening concerts or days of daytime music.
If you are interested in upgrading your ticket to a VIP Package please email tickets@sidmouthjazz.com or if you are interested in or know anyone who may be interested in a corporate package please email ian@sidmouthjazz.com
* A complimentary finger food buffet will be available on arrival for each of the evening concerts and early afternoon during each of the days of music. Full VIP Bar available throughout with a complimentary drink on arrival each evening and daytime with a further 2 complimentary alcoholic drinks each evening and day per guest (6 drinks per day). Further alcoholic drinks can be purchased from the bar. Complimentary soft drinks, water, tea and coffee will be available throughout.
Tickets
Please remember to bring your tickets with you either as a QR code on your mobile device or a printed copy showing the QR code. Eveyone coming to the festival requires a unique QR code to gain entry, so make sure that everyone in your party has their own code – one QR code = one entry.
For those of you who have bought Weekend Daytime Tickets, Weekend Festival Passes or Silver, Gold or VIP Packages please head to the box office where your QR code will be scanned and exchanged for your festival wristband or lanyard.
Travel & Car Parking
The festival is being held at Blackmore Gardens, Blackmore Drive, Sidmouth, EX10 8LQ. There is no public car next to the Gardens, but there are plenty available within the town. Please consult the festival website for more up to date information.
Accommodation
For the latest up to date list of accommodation available within Sidmouth please consult the Visit Sidmouth website www.visitdevon.co.uk/sidmouth/stay/
Children at the festival
For the evening concerts children under the age of 5 may attend for free. For the daytime music children under the age of 12 may attend for free. Please be prepared to bring proof of age. All children under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by an adult.
Chairs and rugs at the festival
Seating is not provided by the festival.
Evening Concerts
Please feel free to bring folding chairs to make yourselves comfortable. No rugs are allowed for seating purposes for the evening concerts (just in case someone falls over you in the dimming light) but please feel free to bring a rug or blanket to keep you warm! Some of the artistes on the bill are more of a sit- down affair but the majority are of the get up and dance variety.
Use of chairs is only guaranteed with Priority Seated Area tickets – which will be a separate area at the front of the arena, seating in Standard Admission towards the back of the arena will depend on the space available and you will be guided by the stewards. If you have a medical need for seating then please contact tickets@sidmouthjazz.com to make sure that we save you space to accommodate your needs. There will be a dedicated wheelchair area at the festival.
Daytime Music
Please feel free to bring folding chairs and rugs to make yourselves comfortable. Some of the artistes on the bill are more of a sit-down affair but the majority are of the get up and dance variety.
When crowds are busier during the daytime we may ask that kept back beyond a certain point so there’s room for both the seated and standing (there will be signs and stewards to show you), this means there may be limited space for chairs at peak times – if you have a medical need for seating then please contact tickets@sidmouthjazz.com to make sure that we save you space to accommodate your needs. There will be a dedicated wheelchair area at the festival.
Fair Space Usage Policy
We want everyone to have an enjoyable and comfortable time at the festival. At busier times our stewards may ask you to limit the amount of ground space that your and/or your party are using, please work with us in making space for everyone at the festival. This may mean that during peak times of the festival we limit the amount of seating space available to keep everyone safe. Thank you for your understanding.
Disabled Patrons & Support Workers/Assistants
Our intention is to make everything we do accessible to all our audiences. We therefore offer a free ticket for support workers/assistants that travel with disabled patrons to ensure they are able to attend. We recommend early booking if you require wheelchair access as space in the wheelchair area is limited. Contact vicki@sidmouthjazz.com for more information.
Please be prepared to show relevant ID at the box office or upon admission to events.
Please refer to our full Terms & Conditions for more information.
