Back in 1992, Mike Lucas was looking for ways of making good use of the newly refurbished Marsden Mechanics Hall and came up with the inspired idea of starting a jazz festival in Marsden, drawing upon a number of willing volunteers to get it going.

From these modest beginnings, the festival has grown in size and stature. Now Marsden welcomes over five thousand visitors from Yorkshire, the UK and beyond during the festival weekend in October. Festival goers enjoy the delights of the wonderful Pennine scenery and the unique atmosphere of Marsden where jazz of all varieties is available in the pubs and clubs, on the streets and by the canal.

As well as ticketed gigs in Marsden Mechanics Hall – an intimate venue to enjoy headliners like Georgie Fame, Dianne Carroll, Clare Teal and Kenny Barber – Marsden Jazz Festival features many free concerts, giving festivalgoers the chance to experience jazz from the trad to the frankly weird. It’s a great weekend for everyone.