2025 is the fourth time that Claire Martin has curated a Jazz Festival at Iford Manor near Bradford-on-Avon, with its Grade 1 listed garden and numerous listed structures. The event is increasingly popular and a number of the events are sold out, or only have limited availability.
Claire Martin says: “Curating the Iford Manor Jazz Festival is one of the highlights of my year and I’m so pleased to be presenting my fourth event at this stunning venue. As always, I have booked world class musicians for our festival this year and hope my vision of including ‘something for everyone’ is successful! The exquisite cloisters, constructed in 1914 by Harold Peto and the award-winning gardens truly add to the jazz magic!“
Mike Collins certainly felt the place had a special magic. When he reviewed a show by Joe Stilgoe at the first festival (link below), he was incredulous that the while whole of the West of England had been through non-stop rain, Iford has some kind of “mysterious micro-climate”. The audience had enjoyed the gig in the sunshine.
The press release from the Festival gives instruction as to the numerous ways to enjoy Iford: “Bring your own picnic, or book a pre-concert menu in Iford Manor Kitchen, and enjoy a special evening in the garden. Explore every nook and cranny with a glass in hand, watch the music, dance the night away, or laze on your rug and relax as suits you!“
IFORD MANOR JAZZ FESTIVAL PROGRAMME AND BOOKING LINKS
Thursday 19 June: Tim Garland and Jason Rebello in the cloister (returns only)
Friday 20 June: An Evening with Jacqui Dankworth, Charlie Wood and band in the casita.
Saturday 21st June: Shakatak in the casita, with DJ sets from Mike Vitti on the lawn (limited availability)
Saturday 21st June & Sunday 22nd June: Nigel Price & Ashley John Long – Ticket includes a 3-course Jazz Lunch!(returns only – a celebration of the Joe Pass /Niels-Henning Ørsted Pederson duo).
