Ruth Fisher presents: The Bansko Jazz Festival 2026 Special

Bansko Jazz Festival from 31 July to 9 August 2026 tranforms the picturesque mountain town in Bulgaria with performances, masterclasses, exhibitions, discussions and late-night jam sessions creating a unique atmosphere from morning until well after midnight.

This year’s festival features jazz fusion legend Billy Cobham, acclaimed vocalist Morgan James, Grammy Award-winning British saxophonist Tim Garland, Chico Freeman, Antonio Faraò, Mordi Ferber, and the innovative Avishai Cohen & Big Vicious, alongside many of Bulgaria’s finest jazz musicians.

Ahead of the festival, Ruth Fisher sits down with Svetoslav Nikolov, Programme Director of Jazz FM in Bulgaria, for an exclusive conversation about the story behind Bansko Jazz Festival. From booking world-class artists and nurturing emerging talent to creating the unique atmosphere that has made Bansko one of Europe’s most loved jazz festivals, it’s a fascinating insight into what makes this remarkable event so special.