Jarvis Cocker, Luvcat and more lead Montreux Jazz Festival weekend dedicated to British culture

Jarvis Cocker, Luvcat and Horse Meat Disco will be part of a weekend-long celebration of British culture at this year’s Montreux Jazz Festival. 

• READ MORE: Montreux Jazz Festival 2024 review: music history constantly in the making 

The festival is returning to the scenic shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland for its 59th instalment, running from July 4 to 19.  

Among a huge line-up, the event has now announced details of a weekend of activities from July 10 to 13 that will spotlight what it describes as “the richness and diversity of British creativity”. 

The weekend is a partnership between London’s Southbank Centre and the Montreux Jazz Artists Foundation and will include music, cinema, literature and visual art.  

Jarvis Cocker will deliver a workshop titled ‘Outsider Art’ the day before Pulp’s performance at the festival, while Horse Meat Disco will play a DJ set at La Coupole on site. 

2025 Programme
From 4 to 19 July 2025, the MJF will resound one last time in the magical setting of the Lake Stage and the intimate atmosphere of the Casino! pic.twitter.com/gYSMmtPDBe

— Montreux Jazz Festival (@MontreuxJazz) April 10, 2025

‘Searching For Nina Simone’s Spirit’ is being promoted a powerful tribute to the iconic singer and will see saxophonist Soweto Kinch lead a group of musicians, including Daisy George and Zoe Pascal, in a performance of Simone’s music. 

Andre Marmot will present ‘Unapologetic Expression: The Inside Story of UK Jazz’, while there will be cinema screenings of live performances by Massive Attack and Roni Size & Reprazent. Benji B will lead a workshop on the connection between fashion and music, while journalist Tina Edwards will co-host a conversation on queer jazz. 

Mathieu Jaton, CEO of the Montreux Jazz Festival, has said: “Montreux has always been a meeting place for cultures, ideas, and musical expressions. This British weekend embodies that spirit, offering an exciting showcase of UK creativity while deepening our collaboration with the Southbank Centre. At the same time, our extensive free programme ensures that everyone can access the joy and discovery that defines Montreux.” 

The first wave of artists were announced for the festival in April, with big hitters such as Neil Young, Pulp, Sam Fender and RAYE among those on the line-up. Diana Ross, Grace Jones, Jamie xx, Brandi Carlile, J Balvin, Ezra Collective, FKA Twigs, Alanis Morissette, Noah Kahan, Beth Gibbons and Benson Boone are also performing. 

The opening night of the festival will also serve as a celebration of the late Quincy Jones and his enduring legacy. It will include a unique concert led by Chaka Khan and feature special guests who worked alongside the iconic producer. 

Other names on the bill include Bloc Party, Royel Otis, James Blake, Seu Jorge, London Grammar, JADE, Jorja Smith, Lionel Richie, Shaboozey, Finneas, The Black Keys, Nubya Garcia, Sigrid and Santana. 

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