Gigs at the London Welsh Centre in the 2026 EFG London Jazz Festival.

The London Welsh Centre is set to continue its celebration of Welsh jazz culture during the 2026 EFG London Jazz Festival, presenting two evenings of performances that highlight the evolving Welsh jazz scene. Following a well-received inaugural year, the Centre will host a series of double bills on Sunday, November 15, and Wednesday, November 18, bringing a fresh lineup of Welsh jazz artists to London audiences.

The first evening, November 15, features the Awen Ensemble alongside the debut of CymanVa CynVamol. Awen Ensemble, led by trumpeter Emyr Penry Dance, blends folk and jazz elements, drawing deeply from Welsh cultural roots. Their music interweaves modal and spiritual jazz influences with British and Irish folk traditions, resulting in pieces that evoke the landscapes and emotional landscapes of Wales. The ensemble’s instrumental and vocal compositions offer a contemplative, Celtic-inflected experience, with Amy Clark providing vocals, Ruari Graham on guitars, and Joe Wilkes on upright bass supporting the group’s distinctive sound.

Joining them on the same bill is CymanVa CynVamol, a newly formed trio combining vocals, flute, and bass. The group features Emma Davidson's vocal work alongside Gail Tasker’s flute and Huw V Williams on bass. Their collaborative project explores modern interpretations of Welsh identity through experimental soundscapes and drone elements, promising an innovative take on contemporary Welsh jazz.

On November 18, the spotlight shifts to the band Trons Tew, led by bassist Twm Dylan and comprising a lineup that includes drummer Jake Long, saxophonist Dan Smith, and trombonist Kieran McLeod. Trons Tew’s music is described as an eclectic blend drawing inspiration from jazz greats like Johnny Griffin, as well as Welsh traditional melodies and influences from artists such as Alice Coltrane and The Meters. The ensemble’s dynamic interplay features a dual bass approach and a robust brass presence, crafting an energetic and textured sonic environment.

Supporting Trons Tew is a group led by Rhys Ponting, an accomplished alto saxophonist and recent graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD). Ponting’s ensemble reflects his active involvement in the vibrant Welsh jazz community, including leadership roles in the college’s big band and Cardiff’s Siglo Section Big Band. His group includes James Cox on guitar, Will Pearce on piano, Cameron Saint on bass, and Phil Thompson on drums, showcasing young Welsh jazz talent in a variety of ensemble settings.

The London Welsh Centre, located on Grays Inn Road in London, provides a fitting venue for these events, reinforcing its role as a cultural hub for Welsh artistic expression within the city. These concerts form part of the larger EFG London Jazz Festival, an annual event that brings together a diverse array of jazz performers from across the UK and internationally.

Through its programming, the London Welsh Centre continues to emphasize Welsh cultural heritage within contemporary jazz frameworks, fostering a connection between traditional influences and modern improvisational approaches. This initiative not only highlights Wales’s rich musical landscape but also introduces London audiences to innovative projects that resonate with national identity and artistic exploration.

Details regarding ticketing and additional festival events remain accessible through the London Welsh Centre and the festival’s official channels. The 2026 performances promise to build on the momentum of previous years, further establishing the Centre’s position as a key venue for Welsh jazz during the London Jazz Festival.