The first-ever Hexham Jazz Weekender proved a huge success over the Bank Holiday weekend, with audiences flocking to venues across the town to enjoy a vibrant programme of world-class jazz in record-breaking sunshine.
Presented by Queen’s Hall, the two-day celebration built on the momentum of the Northumberland Jazz Festival, bringing together acclaimed national artists, rising talent and North East favourites for a packed weekend of performances — the majority taking place at Queen’s Hall, home of Hexham’s popular Sunday Jazz Sessions.
From the opening performances on Saturday through to Sunday night’s finale from Modern Vikings, audiences embraced the festival atmosphere, with music lovers filling venues throughout the weekend and many visitors making the most of the warm weather to explore Hexham between shows.
Queen’s Hall hosted standout performances from the Alexia Gardner Quintet with takes on the Beatles, Bob Marley and more, Joe Steels’ tribute to Wes Montgomery, Chris Coull’s Porgy and Bess, Ben Crosland’s Threeway, the Finn-Keeble Group and Modern Vikings, creating a lively hub for jazz across the weekend.
Elsewhere, Newcastle collective SwanNek drew a busy and enthusiastic crowd to Hexham Library with their boundary-pushing contemporary set, while pianist Paul Edis delivered a special fundraiser performance at Core Music, raising support for local music initiatives in Hexham.
The festival also reached new audiences outdoors, with rising trumpet talent Lara Hopper performing in Sele Park as part of the popular Hexham Bandstand Sessions, adding to the celebratory atmosphere across the town in the summer sunshine.
Following the strong response to this year’s launch event, plans are already underway to build on the success of the Hexham Jazz Weekender in future years, and monthly Sunday Jazz sessions will continue at Queen’s Hall over the summer month, see below for more info.
Photo credits: Ian Coult
