Manly Jazz: Festival in tune to attract as many as 100,000 visitors to see more than 70 acts over three days

Whether you’re swingin’, singin’ or just listenin’ — the 47th year of the Manly Jazz festival is the place to catch up with more than 70 high-class acts over three days.

The Beachfront Stage, to accommodate some of top acts, will be set up for the 47th Manly Jazz festival, on from September 20-22. Picture: Northern Beaches Council

More than 70 acts, four stages, 15 official venues and as many as 100,000 fans over three days.

These are the numbers that have been crunched for the 47th running of the Manly Jazz festival.

Locals and visitors are expected to pour into the Sydney seaside suburb during the popular three-day celebration of music — Australia’s longest running jazz festival — beginning on September 20.

Some details about Manly Jazz, presented by Northern Beaches Council, have just been revealed, including the names of some of the world class, headline acts.

Event organisers say this year’s festival will feature a “a dynamic and diverse program that celebrates the rich tradition and evolving future of jazz music”.

The 47th Manly Jazz festival will feature more than 70 acts. Picture: Northern Beaches Council

And they have added a special feature — a “Jazz Garden” set up by Brookvale beer brewer, Bucketty’s, on The Corso.

“It will be the perfect place to relax, listen to great music, and enjoy an amazing range of food and drinks,” a spokesman said.

Performers named, so far, to perform either on the Manly Beachfront Stage, the Sydney Rd Stage or inside St Matthews Anglian Church on The Corso, include the Hot Potato Band, Funkophilia, Flashy Dashbacks Organ Trio, Soul Roots Revival Band, Heart and Soul, Blue Rhythm Band, Dan Barnett Big Band and Spyglass Gypsies.

The Dawn Barnett Big Band. Picture; Simon Cocksedge

Swingtime Dance Studio members dance to Blue Rhythm Band in 2019. (AAP IMAGE / Troy Snook)

Spyglass Gypsies. Picture: Supplied

The Hot Potato Band. Picture: Supplied

The Hot Potato Band will also run a workshop from 12.30pm – 1.30pm on Sunday, for those wanting to be a part of the Jazz Parade that kicks off at 3pm “bringing big vibes and great music” down The Corso.

Fans can also look out for emerging talent on the Jazz Stars of the Future Stage outside Manly Town Hall.

St Matthews Anglican Church on The Corso is a live festival venue. Picture: Northern Beaches Council

The 47th Manly Jazz festival is on from September 20-22, 2024. Picture: Northern Beaches Council

Manly Jazz is popular with fans of all ages. Picture: Chris Harmer

Swing dancers is a feature of the Manly Jazz festival. Picture: Chris Harmer

Organisers are hoping for a bumper crowd. Picture: Chris Harmer

Live venues — each with its own unique jazz theme — include 55 North in the Manly Pacific Hotel, Hotel Steyne, The Boathouse at Shelly Beach, The Manly Club, Manly Art Gallery & Museum and Manly Library.

Festival artistic director, Caroline Speight, said she was looking forward to sharing the joy and excitement of live jazz with the public.

“Manly Jazz has a longstanding reputation for bringing high quality jazz to the community,” Ms Speight said.

“It’s exciting that the northern beaches community and visitors will gather to enjoy the great art form of jazz in a variety of styles across the weekend.”

Organisers will release the full festival program on August 26.

For more festival info, click here.