Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Festival held?

The Festival is staged in a number of venues in the picturesque harbour and artists' town of Kirkcudbright in South West Scotland.  For more information on the town and surrounding area see our "About Kirkcudbright" page.

When is the Festival held?

The Festival takes place over a Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in June of each year.  The dates for 2020 are from Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th June inclusive, starting at 7pm on the Thursday and finishing at or around 11.30 pm on the Sunday.

NOTE: The Festival traditionally starts on the SECOND Thursday in June

How do we get to Kirkcudbright?

If you are coming by car from Ayrshire follow the A713 south signposted Castle Douglas - approaching Castle Douglas follow signs for Stranraer, then Kirkcudbright.

If travelling from Stranraer, follow the A75 for approximately 40 miles then turn right onto road signposted Kirkcudbright. 

From anywhere else, head for Dumfries then take the A75 west signposted Stranraer for some 22 miles then follow the A711 signposted Kirkcudbright.

Can we get to Kirkcudbright by public transport?

Yes.  If coming by train you alight at Dumfries and then take a bus from the station for Castle Douglas - you may have to change there for Kirkcudbright.

There are buses from Carlisle, Edinburgh and Glasgow to Dumfries. Change at Whitesands, Dumfries for Castle Douglas/Kirkcudbright.

You can travel from Northern Ireland to Stranraer by ferry then by bus heading for Dumfries.  Change at Gatehouse of Fleet for Kirkcudbright.

Bus Timetables - look for services 501/502 and555.

Are there ample car parking facilities in the town?

Yes, there is a large car park in the centre of the town close to all the venues and acres of on-street parking too!  All parking is FREE.

Can you arrange accommodation for us?

Please see our "Accommodation" page for plenty of options.

You can get loads of iaccommodation information by Googling "Kirkcudbright Accommodation"

If you are absolutely stuck, please phone 01557 330467 and ask for Leon.

When will the Festival programme be available?

The programme, price £2, should be available from early April.  If you wish a copy posted to you send your request together with £3.50 to cover the cost of the programme and p&p to Kirkcudright Jazz Festival, c/o 90 St Mary Street,  KIRKCUDBRIGHT, DG6 4EJ.  Don't forget to include your name and address!

What tickets are available for the Festival?

Weekend Ticket: (Full Festival - Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) - £60

Day tickets : (for Friday, Saturday or Sunday) - £22

Afternoon tickets: (for Friday, Saturday or Sunday) - £12

Evening tickets: (for Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday) - £12

Ticket and Programme Order Form

How do we get tickets and programmes for the Festival?

These are available by mail from Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival c/o 90 St Mary Street, KIRKCUDBRIGHT, DG6 4EJ.  Shops in the town will also sell tickets and programmes from April onwards.

Cheques to cover the cost should be made payable to KIRKCUDBRIGHT JAZZ FESTIVAL.

Programmes will be available from a number of shops in the town - look for the poster in the window.

Tickets and programmes can also be bought via this website - see our "Tickets" page.

How many bands are appearing at the Festival?

For 2020, we will have 13 bands performing in Festival venues with further soloists and small groups appearing in local restaurants.  Although band bookings have been agreed the lineup remains subject to final confirmation in case of any unexpected circumstances.

Bands appearing

Kirkcudbright International All Stars featuring Thomas l’Etienne, Uli Wunner, Harry Kanters, Andy Crowdy and Kenny Milne,Rose Room,Washington Whirligig, Eagle Jazz Band,Jake Leg Jug Band, The Big Easy, Savannah Jazz Band, The Harmony Hounds, Storyville All Stars, The Red Stripe Band, Jazz By 5, Dumfries&Galloway Youth Jazz Orchestra and the all female Red Hot Rhythm Makers

How many venues are used?

In 2020, three large venues ( the Cochran Hall, Parish Church Hall and Parish Church) and three smaller venues (Kirkcudbright Galleries,Selkirk Arms and Garret Hotel) will be used.  In addition,  restaurants will host jazz with dining.  We are still exploring additional venues, including jazz dining; please check the website for updates.

Wheelchairs can access all venues except for dining at the Auld Alliance Restaurant.

Will there be dancing space in the various venues?

This should be available in our main venues but audience numbers in any venue may be such as to limit or even deny space for dancing.

What kind of music will be played?

Our aim is to invite bands who represent a range of styles and sounds, from classic ragtime and traditional New Orleans, Chicago, San Francisco and Dixieland Jazz, to swing and jump-jive.  Each year we consider feedback from Festival attendees when we put together the playbill for the next Festival, taking into account availability and balance.  If you come to the Festival please make your voice heard - feedback forms are available at every venue!

Do you sell any branded items at the Festival?

We have had some limited feedback from Festival attendees about providing some branded items, such as t-shirts.  As a charity with a focus on minimising costs and thus keeping ticket prices as low as possible, our investigations have shown that we would have to order in significant quantities to keep purchase costs down.  This would mean carrying quite a lot of stock with associated risks for successfully selling at any Festival.  Thus far we have decided against merchandising but we review this each year and ask for continued feedback to test for demand.