Montreux Jazz Festival is proud to announce a weekend-long celebration of British music and culture, taking place from 10 to 13 July 2025 during the 59th edition of the iconic event. This central weekend will spotlight the richness and diversity of British creativity, with nearly every concert, talk, screening, and DJ set featuring British artists or themes.

At the core of this UK-focused weekend is the partnership between London’s Southbank Centre and the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation (MJAF), the philanthropic arm of the festival. Announced last year, the collaboration between Montreux and the Southbank Centre is grounded in shared values: fostering emerging talent, offering platforms for creative expression, and connecting artists to wider international audiences.

This partnership comes to life in Montreux with ‘Searching for Nina Simone’s Spirit’ – a powerful tribute to the enduring legacy of the iconic singer taking place on 12 July. The performance unites British musicians Daisy George and Zoe Pascal with Swiss artists NNAVY and Matthieu Llodra, under the musical direction of renowned saxophonist Soweto Kinch. It marks the second chapter of a two-part residency, following its acclaimed first part at the Southbank Centre in January, which featured standout performances by Laura Mvula and Corinne Bailey Rae.

The programme of the British weekend spans cinema, literature, electronic music, jazz, and visual art. On 10 July, André Marmot will present “Unapologetic Expression: The Inside Story of UK Jazz”, and the Cinéma will host screenings of live performances by Massive Attack and Roni Size & Reprazent. On 11 July, Yazz Ahmed will perform and lead a workshop, while DJ collective Horse Meat Disco bring their dancefloor energy to La Coupole. Cultural journalist Tina Edwards will co-host a conversation on queer jazz, and RTS present a session dedicated to The Chemical Brothers.

On 12 July, BBC Radio 1’s Benji B explores the connection between fashion and music in a workshop and later performs a DJ set. Meanwhile Lakwena, the designer of this year’s festival poster, will deliver a talk titled ‘All You See Is Glory’ and later that evening, audiences can enjoy a 4K restoration of “Pink Floyd at Pompeii”. On 13 July, Jarvis Cocker will deliver the workshop ‘Outsider Art’ at the Memphis, the day before Pulp’s headline performance on the Lake Stage.

Free Programme Announced: Over 600 Free Events Across 13 Stages 

Alongside its ticketed events, the Montreux Jazz Festival proudly unveils this year’s extensive free programme, offering over 600 open-access events from 4 to 19 July. From concerts and DJ sets to workshops, dance classes, film screenings, and jam sessions, the programme represents one of the most significant free cultural offerings in Switzerland.

A major new addition this year is the Spotlight Stage. Featuring two concerts each evening, the new stage will present rising voices in genres including pop, electronic, soul, and more. Performers include Theodora, Miki, Marcin, and Nemzzz, with select sets filmed for digital platforms. Montreux’s UK media partner, The Independent, will present the evening of Tuesday 8 July featuring one of the UK’s most hyped artists, the charming and mysterious Luvcat, alongside Wamen.

The Lake House offers a compelling overview of today’s jazz, soul, and R&B from across the globe, showcasing talents such as American trumpeter Keyon Harrold, Tiny Desk contest-winner The Philharmonik, Leeds-based trio Gotts Street Park, Berlin’s Moses Yoofee Trio, Catalan vocalist and trombonist Rita Payès, and the Turkish quartet Telli Davul. With dozens more artists to choose from, other highlights from the free stages include sets from some of the world’s top DJs at La Coupole including Derrick Carter, Jyoty, Shimza, Cassius, and Barbara Butch.

As always, Montreux’s free programme is designed to be inclusive, vibrant, and educational – upholding the Festival’s mission to make world-class cultural experiences accessible to all.

Mathieu Jaton, CEO of the Montreux Jazz Festival, said: “Montreux has always been a meeting place for cultures, ideas, and musical expressions. This British weekend embodies that spirit, offering an exciting showcase of UK creativity while deepening our collaboration with the Southbank Centre. At the same time, our extensive free programme ensures that everyone can access the joy and discovery that defines Montreux.” 

Mark Ball, Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre, said: “The Southbank Centre’s ongoing collaboration with Montreux Jazz Festival is a powerful expression of our commitment to international collaboration and to championing the UK’s most exciting emerging talent. This weekend brings boundary-pushing British artists to a world-renowned music festival, with a vibrant free programme at its core — forging new pathways for artistic exchange and broadening access to this vital and ever-evolving genre.” 

For the full programme and further information, visit www.montreuxjazzfestival.com