THIS year’s Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival, backed by Sandwell Council, is set to return this summer — but organisers say urgent funding is still needed to secure its future.
Organisers have raised only a third of their target so far, collecting £12,705 of the £40,000 needed through sponsorship and crowdfunding.
Sandwell Council is the festival’s largest backer and is supporting at least 26 live and free performances in the borough’s libraries, art galleries, pubs and visitor centres across the 10-day programme, which is taking place from July 24 to August 2.
Jim Simpson of Big Bear Music, which has organised the annual festival for the last four decades, said: "We are determined to not let anyone down – so come hell or highwater, the 42nd Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival will be waving the flag for jazz, blues and all the associated music!"
"We want to send a huge thank you to our sponsors Sandwell Council, the Musicians’ Union and Rockefellas TV."
"We are also grateful to dozens of individuals who have dug deep to show their love of jazz and blues through our crowdfunding appeal.
"We feel so lucky to have such committed support, and donations ranging from £5 to £200 have already topped £1,500.
"Every single extra pound we can raise will be crucial to help us break even."
Despite the support, organisers say they urgently need further contributions to keep the event going.
Mr Simpson said: "It is only through the support of live music fans that we are able to continue delivering this iconic event.
"Any support, no matter how big or small, makes a massive impact."
Donations can be made to the jazz festival’s crowdfunder here https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/birmigham-jazz-and-blues-festival-2026#.
Councillor Michael Cooper, cabinet member for customer services and neighbourhoods at Sandwell Council, said: “The festival will also be bringing visitors into Sandwell, helping to support our local businesses and build a sense of pride in the places where we live and work.”
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