The Hamilton Jazz Festivals first took place in 1995 but there was an eleven year gap before its rebirth in 2006. This time it was repeated the following year with both events being declared a great success by performers, the enthusiastic audiences and the venue owners, much to the delight of the Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce and its co-festival organisers. Building on this success but always keen to improve last year's ( 2008) Festival was extended to become the Hamilton Jazz & Blues Festival.

Again everyone involved was delighted with the extended format and the 2009 event will be held on the first weekend in September.

It is still early days yet but keep checking this website for venues and performers to this very popular event.

To give you a flavour of what you might expect read on for details of last year's performances. Or check out the other pages which at this point still detail the 2008 event

The 2008 Festival took place from the 5th to 7th September 2008 at various venues across the town.

Launching the Festival on Friday 5th September in the Town House was The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra directed by Tommy Smith (pictured below) presenting Rhapsody in Blue featuring Brian Kellock, plus the music of Joe Williams & Ray Charles featuring Scotland's premier Blues singer Tam White.

A full programme also took place over the other days of the festival featuring someof Scotland's best Jazz musicians at some great venues.

This website will continue to be updated as the acts and venues for this year's festival are confirmed.