Manchester's Jazz Festival announce 2019 plans + huge music procession

The festival promises to be one of Europe’s most adventurous jazz festivals and there’ll be more gigs than ever at venues across the city.

The festival runs from 23rd – 27th May with the main stage in St Ann’s Square and 2 other stages across Exchange Street and New Cathedral Street.

The festival showcases an eclectic array of classic, new and innovative performances in the days it takes over the city.

There’s also a range of culinary delights curated by Manchester Food and Drink Festival across the festival hub from the likes of The Humble Kitchen, Rockin Buddha and Coffika.

New venues this year such as The Whiskey Jar, YES, The Royal Exchange Studio, Deaf Institute will champion the musical talent of one of the city’s longest-running festivals.

To kick off the festival, ‘Mancunity’, a spectacular mass participation event will see composer Andy Scott’s piece of work come to life across the city.

Scott explains that the piece is inspired by ‘Manchester, the people and their resilience..’. The piece will see crowds of people start at different points across the city, leading the musical procession before passing the baton to a hand-chosen ensemble of musicians on the St Ann’s Square Main Stage.

Organisers are looking for local musicians of any age, standard and style who can play their instrument. There’s no music to learn, just jam and experience the procession filled with energy and vibrancy. The only requirement is that you can walk while you play!