THE team behind Scotland’s leading independent festival, Kelburn Garden Party, have announced the launch of a brand new event: Kelburn Jazz Weekend. Taking place across the bank holiday weekend of Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May 2025, the event will blend live performances, DJs, visual art, culinary experiences, camping and glamping — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Kelburn Estate.
Nestled on the west coast of Scotland, Kelburn is famed for its enchanting glen, 13th-century painted castle, and sprawling woodlands. Long celebrated as one of the country’s most distinctive cultural playgrounds, the site now hosts an intimate two-day gathering dedicated to celebrating the vibrancy and evolution of jazz in Scotland.
Across two stages and pop-up locations, Kelburn Jazz Weekend will welcome some of the most exciting names from Scotland and beyond, with the first phase of artists announced today. Gilles Peterson, the world-renowned tastemaker, broadcaster and DJ, will bring his unrivalled record collection and global perspective on jazz and club culture. Mercury Prize nominated corto.alto, Scotland’s trailblazing collective led by trombonist Liam Shortall, appear for their only Scottish tour date on their new Ninja Tune album tour, promising a thrilling set that pushes jazz into bold, contemporary territory. Rebecca Vasmant, one of Scotland’s most celebrated artists and curators, will continue her journey of bridging jazz and electronic music, while rising stars Kai Reesu showcases their future-facing sound, a melting pot of hip-hop and jazz. The weekend the expansive, groove-led sounds of Slow Karma and the soulful vocals of Becca Sloan. Many more bands and DJs will be announced in due course.
Alongside the music, the weekend will feature a unique dining experience (details to be revealed soon), carefully crafted to complement the immersive setting. Guests will also be able to stay on-site with a range of camping and glamping options, making it a true weekend of discovery.
Chris Knight, Programme Director, Kelburn Arts, said: “Since our earliest days, Kelburn has proudly showcased underground and emerging Scottish and international music outside of the mainstream, and many artists who have gone on to find success played early gigs at our annual festival. Jazz is the original DIY music, founded on the principles of total freedom of expression, collaboration and exploration – principles we whole-heartedly share. Unless you have been on Mars, you will have noticed the explosion of the UK jazz scene over the past decade or so, culminating in Ezra Collective winning the Mercury Prize in 2025.
Get your tickets HERE.
