10cc have been confirmed for this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival, joining the 30th anniversary edition as one of its marquee Big Top headliners.

Cheltenham Jazz Festival, running from Wednesday 29 April to Monday 4 May 2026, has unveiled a star-studded line-up featuring 10cc alongside the likes of Jessie J, Van Morrison, Earth Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, Joss Stone and Nigel Kennedy. Marking three decades as one of Europe’s leading celebrations of jazz and contemporary music, the festival will once again centre on its 2,000-capacity Big Top, where 10cc are billed as one of the headline acts.

Formed in the early 1970s, 10cc are hailed as one of the UK’s most innovative and influential bands, with a catalogue that includes era-defining hits such as I’m Not in Love, The Things We Do for Love and Dreadlock Holiday. The group’s current touring incarnation is led by co-founder Graham Gouldman, and their latest run has been promoted with typically tongue‑in‑cheek branding that underlines their reputation for wit and musical invention.

Big Top spotlight for art‑pop pioneers

Festival organisers describe the 2026 programme as a blend of world-class artists, boundary-pushing jazz and genre-crossing innovators, positioning 10cc alongside contemporary stars and jazz heavyweights as part of an eclectic bill. In addition to 10cc, Big Top performances will feature Jessie J, Van Morrison, Earth Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, Joss Stone, the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra with special guests, Jack Savoretti, ABC, Jalen Ngonda and James Morrison.

The wider festival line-up spans leading international jazz names such as Joshua Redman, Bill Frisell and Makaya McCraven, plus UK talents including Courtney Pine, Emma-Jean Thackray, Georgia Cécile and Blue Lab Beats, consolidating Cheltenham’s role as a showcase for both established and emerging voices. Alongside the Big Top, expanded spaces like the DEYA Arena and a programme at the Parabola Arts Centre will host adventurous new work, cross‑genre collaborations and rising artists from the UK and beyond.

A milestone year for Cheltenham Jazz Festival

The 30th anniversary edition continues Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s tradition of mixing jazz with soul, pop and crossover acts to attract a broad audience. Organisers emphasise that this year’s programme is designed to celebrate the festival’s legacy while looking ahead, with a strong focus on next‑generation talent and special projects across its multiple stages.[2][3][4]

For 10cc, the Cheltenham appearance adds a prestigious festival date to their ongoing UK touring schedule, offering fans a chance to experience their classic songbook in a large‑scale festival setting. With tickets now on sale and demand expected to be high for the landmark edition, the combination of heritage acts like 10cc and cutting‑edge jazz names positions Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2026 as one of the standout events in this year’s live music calendar.