Kelham Jazz Festival turns the district into one big stage, taking jazz, blues, fusion and contemporary sounds into the bars, breweries and studios that make Kelham Island what it is. Expect outdoor sets, jam sessions, DJs, workshops and community-led events, running from the afternoon right through into the early hours.

The first festival took place in March 2026, with a line-up built mostly from Northern musicians. It's built by the artists, promoters and venues behind the city's music scene, with a focus on backing emerging talent and giving young musicians a real route from education into professional performance.