Guildford Jazz - Programme for December 2026.

Guildford Jazz is set to host a compelling series of performances throughout December 2026, spotlighting some of the UK’s most distinguished jazz musicians. The events, taking place across venues in Guildford, Surrey, promise a blend of homage, festive spirit, and virtuoso artistry.

The month kicks off on December 2nd at the Guildford Pavilion with a concert led by pianist Chris Ingham. Following a successful UK tour and appearances at prestigious events such as the EFG London Jazz Festival and Ronnie Scott’s, Ingham’s quartet will deliver an engaging program centered on the jazz legacy of Dudley Moore. The set is expected to traverse Moore’s vibrant 1960s repertoire, combining swinging rhythms with a nuanced narrative that illuminates his musical wit and emotional depth. The ensemble features Paul Higgs on trumpet, Marianne Windham on bass, and George Double on drums.

Mark Nightingale, an internationally revered trombonist and prolific studio musician, will take the stage on December 7th at the Guildford Institute. Known for his extensive collaborations—including work with Frank Sinatra and Sting—Nightingale brings a distinguished pedigree as an 18-time recipient of the British Jazz Awards' Best Trombonist accolade. His lunchtime performance will be accompanied by bassist Marianne Windham and a pianist yet to be announced, offering a more intimate setting for jazz enthusiasts.

The festive season’s highlight arrives on December 10th with a Christmas concert hosted at Christ Church. This event features the Polly Gibbons Quintet, a group boasting a lineup of notable figures within the contemporary jazz scene. Vocalist Polly Gibbons, twice nominated for Best Jazz Vocalist by both the BBC and Jazz FM, leads the ensemble. The quintet also includes saxophonist Alex Garnett, recognized for his two-decade influence across UK and European jazz circuits, and James Pearson, the artistic director of Ronnie Scott’s and a pianist of high esteem. Rounding out the group are George Double on drums and Marianne Windham on bass, demonstrating her recurring presence in Guildford Jazz events.

These performances not only celebrate individual artistry but also underscore Guildford Jazz’s commitment to presenting a wide spectrum of jazz expressions, from historical retrospectives to seasonal celebrations. The venues chosen—the Guildford Pavilion, Guildford Institute, and Christ Church—provide distinctive atmospheres that complement the diverse programming.

While the full details of the pianist accompanying Mark Nightingale remain to be announced, the scheduled events collectively highlight a roster of musicians whose careers have significantly shaped the British jazz landscape. The presence of musicians like Marianne Windham across multiple dates suggests a cohesive thread of collaboration throughout the series.

Tickets and additional information for each event are available through the Guildford Jazz official website, inviting audiences to engage with a rich calendar during the December jazz season. This curated program not only promises musical excellence but also an insightful journey through jazz history and contemporary innovation, reinforcing Guildford’s status as a vital hub for jazz appreciation.

As the year draws to a close, Guildford Jazz’s December lineup offers both seasoned jazz listeners and newcomers an opportunity to experience the genre’s depth and diversity, performed by artists who continue to influence and invigorate the British jazz scene.