Birmingham Jazz Fest Injects £1M into City Economy
Annual Event Draws Thousands, Boosts Local Businesses
The annual Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival has become a significant economic driver for Birmingham, injecting an estimated £1 million into the local economy each year. The recent sold-out event attracted 3,000 attendees to Moseley Park, further solidifying its impact on city businesses.
Economic Ripple Effect
Festival manager **John Fell** highlighted the event’s success in stimulating local commerce, stating that businesses consistently report increased revenue during the festival weekend. From hotels to food vendors, the influx of music lovers directly benefits a wide range of local enterprises.
A Decade of Musical Vibrancy
Established in 2010 as a spin-off from the Moseley Folk Festival, the jazz festival has grown from its initial two-day format, featuring acts like Sun Ra Arkestra and Courtney Pine. It was designed to showcase local talent alongside international artists, a mission it continues to fulfill.
Festival’s Growing Appeal
Director Gerv Havill expressed surprise at the festival’s escalating popularity, noting that audiences now travel from across the UK, Europe, and the United States. He emphasized that the event is now a firmly established fixture in Birmingham’s cultural calendar.
Local Businesses Thrive
Food stall operator Sean McCabe of The StreetBaller described the festival as a yearly highlight, praising the “sense of community” among local vendors. He reported strong sales and noted the opportunity to connect with new customers.
Hospitality Benefits
The Hare and Hounds pub in Kings Heath, which hosts official afterparties, confirmed the festival’s positive economic impact. Co-owner Matt Leftfoot stated that the pub experiences a significant surge in attendance, with tickets often selling out.
The Bournbrook Inn in Stirchley reported that its 53 hotel rooms are consistently fully booked during the festival, marking a 10% increase in bookings compared to a typical weekend. The pub noted that the event necessitates additional staffing to accommodate the demand.
The festival is scheduled to return from July 10 to 12, 2026, with artist announcements expected later this year.
