Acclaimed British Soul Singer Gabrielle to Headline
Gabrielle to Headline Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival 2025
Organisers of the Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival are thrilled to announce that acclaimed British soul singer and songwriter Gabrielle will headline on Saturday 24 May at the festival’s main outdoor stage in Blackmore Gardens.
Known for her smokey, soulful voice and emotional depth, Gabrielle is a true British music icon. Hailing from Hackney, East London, her career took off in 1993 with the release of her debut single “Dreams,” which soared to the top of the UK Singles Chart, launching her into international stardom. Over the years, she has amassed a wealth of unforgettable hits, including “Going Nowhere,” “Give Me a Little More Time,” “Walk on By,” “Rise,” and “Out of Reach,” the latter of which featured on the soundtrack to Bridget Jones’s Diary.
At the 2025 festival, Gabrielle will perform a mix of her classic tracks as well as songs from her latest album, A Place in Your Heart, which showcases everything fans love about her: a smoky, soulful voice full of emotion, vulnerability, and yearning.
Festival Director Ian Bowden said: “Securing Gabrielle to perform at the 2025 festival is a major coup. We are always striving to raise the bar with each year, and Gabrielle’s performance will undoubtedly complete a fantastic, high-quality programme of headline acts.”
The festival kicks off on Friday 23 May with British music collective Soul II Soul, famous for their hits “Keep On Movin’” and “Back To Life,” followed by Gabrielle’s performance on Saturday 24 May. The music continues with jazz singer and saxophonist Curtis Stigers on Sunday 25 May, and American blues legend Eric Bibb closing the festival on Monday 26 May.
Daytime performances on the main stage will run from Saturday 24 May to Monday 26 May, with a vibrant mix of jazz, swing, blues, soul, funk, Latin, and Cuban music. Already confirmed acts include Nubiyan Twist, blending jazz, hip-hop, afrobeat, soul, reggae, and dance music; James Taylor Quartet (JTQ), known for their funky renditions of classics; award-winning jazz guitarist Zayn Mohammed; and blues guitarist Laurence Jones, among others. More exciting acts will be announced in the coming months.
In addition to the main performances, the festival will feature a range of free music at fringe venues and on the streets of Sidmouth, bringing a New Orleans-style atmosphere to the town.
Plans also include to present a series of educational music workshops and masterclasses. To fund and delivery these events the festival is hoping to secure funding from a range of areas and private patronage.
Early bird festival tickets are selling fast and the offer ends on 30 November, so be sure to book soon to secure your place at this unmissable event.
