Love Supreme Jazz Festival 2026 - Friday - Ezra Collective

About the Event

Prepare to be captivated as the Love Supreme Jazz Festival returns to the magnificent Glynde Place, opening its gates on Friday, 3rd July 2026, with a headlining performance by the electrifying Ezra Collective. This isn't just another gig; it's the commencement of a weekend steeped in world-class jazz, soul, funk, and blues, set against the picturesque backdrop of the South Downs National Park. Friday night at Love Supreme is a special affair, often setting the tone for the entire festival with an incredible energy that builds throughout the evening. Ezra Collective, with their vibrant and genre-bending sound, are the perfect architects to ignite this year's celebration, promising an unforgettable start to what is undoubtedly one of the UK's premier music festivals.

Attending this particular event means immersing yourself in a tradition of musical excellence that Love Supreme has meticulously curated since its inception in 2013. Glynde Place, a historic estate, provides an unparalleled setting for experiencing live music, offering a unique blend of heritage and contemporary revelry. Ezra Collective's performance is not to be missed; their fusion of jazz with influences from Afrobeat, grime, and hip-hop resonates deeply with a broad audience, pushing the boundaries of what jazz can be. This Friday night is your chance to witness a band at the peak of their powers, delivering a performance that is as exhilarating as it is technically brilliant, all within the enchanting ambiance of a summer's evening at one of the UK's most cherished country houses.

About Love Supreme Jazz Festival

The Love Supreme Jazz Festival has firmly established itself as a beacon for jazz and soul enthusiasts across the UK and beyond. Since its inaugural event in 2013, it has grown from a niche gathering into a celebrated multi-day festival, consistently attracting a diverse and high-calibre lineup that spans the entire spectrum of jazz, from traditional swing to contemporary experimentalism, alongside soul, funk, hip-hop, and R&B. The festival’s ethos centres on creating an accessible and inclusive environment where seasoned jazz aficionados and curious newcomers alike can discover and enjoy incredible music. It’s a place where legendary figures share stages with the brightest emerging talents, fostering a vibrant and dynamic musical ecosystem.

Ezra Collective, the stars of this particular Friday night showcase, are a prime example of the festival's commitment to presenting groundbreaking contemporary artists. Hailing from London, this dynamic five-piece band has rapidly ascended the ranks of the international music scene, captivating audiences with their infectious energy and sophisticated musicality. Their sound is a compelling tapestry woven from jazz improvisation, Afrobeat rhythms, UK grime sensibilities, and hip-hop swagger, creating a truly unique and exhilarating sonic experience. They have garnered critical acclaim for their electrifying live performances and their ability to connect with audiences on an emotional and visceral level. Having won the prestigious Mercury Prize for their 2023 album "Where I'm Meant To Be," Ezra Collective are at the zenith of their career, making their headline slot at Love Supreme a landmark event.

Glynde Place: Your Venue

Nestled in the heart of East Sussex, Glynde Place offers a breathtaking and historically rich setting for the Love Supreme Jazz Festival. This magnificent Jacobean manor house, surrounded by immaculately kept gardens and set against the rolling South Downs, provides an idyllic backdrop that elevates the festival experience beyond that of a typical outdoor event. The estate's grandeur and natural beauty create an atmosphere of sophisticated charm, making each visit feel like a special occasion. Attendees can expect a unique fusion of world-class music within a truly picturesque and quintessentially English countryside setting, a far cry from urban festival grounds.

The venue itself is well-equipped to handle the demands of a major festival, with ample space for stages, food and drink vendors, and areas for attendees to relax and socialise. Glynde Place boasts a long and fascinating history, having been the home of the Trevor-Roper family for over 400 years. This heritage adds a distinct layer of character to the festival, allowing attendees to soak in the ambiance of a historic estate while enjoying cutting-edge musical performances. The natural acoustics and open spaces within the grounds are also ideal for creating an immersive sound experience, ensuring that every note from the stage reaches the audience with clarity and power.

Accessibility is a key consideration for Love Supreme at Glynde Place. While it is a historic estate, significant efforts are made to ensure the festival grounds are as accessible as possible. Dedicated pathways and facilities are in place for attendees with mobility needs, and stewards are on hand to provide assistance. The expansive grounds offer plenty of room to navigate, and the festival layout is designed with ease of movement in mind, allowing everyone to enjoy the event comfortably. Whether you're picnicking on the lawns or exploring the various stages, Glynde Place provides a comfortable and stunning environment for your Love Supreme experience.

Event Details at a Glance

• Date: 2026-07-03
• Venue: Glynde Place
• Location: Lewes, UK
• Doors: 7:00 PM (typical)

What to Expect

The live experience at Love Supreme Jazz Festival is renowned for its exceptional atmosphere and the sheer quality of the performances. Friday nights, in particular, tend to kick off with a surge of excitement, as attendees arrive and immerse themselves in the vibrant festival environment. You can anticipate a lively and celebratory mood, with a diverse crowd united by their love for jazz and its many offshoots. The stages at Glynde Place are strategically placed to offer excellent views and sound, whether you're up close to the action or enjoying a more relaxed experience from a picnic blanket on the lawns. Expect a sensory feast, with not only incredible music but also a tempting array of food and drink options, and the opportunity to discover new artists across multiple stages.

When Ezra Collective takes to the stage, you can expect an energetic and joyous performance that showcases their signature blend of intricate musicianship and infectious rhythm. Their setlists are known for their dynamic range, often featuring a mix of beloved fan favourites and fresh material that highlights their evolving sound. Drawing from their critically acclaimed albums, including the Mercury Prize-winning "Where I'm Meant To Be," their performance will likely include anthems like "Victory Dance" and "Colours," which have become staples of their live shows. Prepare for a set that is both technically dazzling, with virtuosic solos and tight ensemble playing, and deeply engaging, with a powerful connection to the audience.

The band's ability to seamlessly transition between hard-hitting grooves and more introspective, melodic passages means their sets are rarely predictable. Their performances are often described as a spiritual experience, where the raw energy of the music ignites a collective feeling of euphoria. Expect improvisation to be a key element, with each member – Femi Koleoso (drums), TJ Koleoso (bass), Joe Armon-Jones (keys), James Mollison (saxophones), and Ife Ogunjobi (trumpet) – given ample opportunity to shine. Love Supreme Festival provides the perfect canvas for Ezra Collective to display their full artistic prowess, promising a headline performance that will set a high bar for the rest of the weekend.

Getting to Glynde Place

Reaching Glynde Place for the Love Supreme Jazz Festival is straightforward, with several convenient options for public transport and ample provision for those travelling by car. For those opting for public transport, the nearest train station is Glynde Station, which is served by Southern Rail services from London Victoria and Brighton. Glynde Station is a short, pleasant walk from the festival entrance, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious festival-goers. From Brighton, the journey to Glynde is typically around 20 minutes. The festival organisers usually provide clear signage from the station to guide you directly to the site.

For those travelling by car, Glynde Place is located just off the A27, approximately five miles east of Lewes. There will be clearly marked routes and ample on-site parking available, though it is advisable to pre-book parking tickets to guarantee a space and potentially secure a better rate. Festival stewards will be present to direct traffic and manage the car parks efficiently. It’s worth noting that the surrounding country lanes can be narrow, so please drive with care and be mindful of local residents and other festival traffic. Consider carpooling with friends to reduce your environmental impact and share the journey.

When planning your travel, it's always wise to check live train times or traffic updates closer to the event date. The festival website typically provides the most up-to-date information on travel, including recommended routes and any specific traffic management plans in place for the event. Consider arriving earlier in the day to avoid any potential delays and to fully soak in the atmosphere as the festival grounds open. Glynde Place is situated within the beautiful South Downs National Park, so even the journey itself can be a scenic affair, offering lovely views of the East Sussex countryside.

Ticket Information & Safety

Tickets for the Love Supreme Jazz Festival, including the highly anticipated Friday night headline performance by Ezra Collective, are expected to be in high demand. It is strongly recommended to purchase your tickets from official ticket retailers to ensure authenticity and avoid any potential scams. Official partners will be clearly advertised on the Love Supreme Jazz Festival website, and we advise against purchasing tickets from unofficial secondary ticketing sites. Secure your place at this unmissable start to the festival weekend by acting swiftly once sales commence.

When purchasing tickets, please ensure you have a valid payment method and that you are buying from a reputable source. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket purchase. Keep your tickets safe and readily accessible, as you will need them for entry into the festival grounds. Love Supreme Jazz Festival is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, and purchasing official tickets is the first step towards ensuring a smooth and secure festival visit. Don't miss your chance to witness Ezra Collective light up Glynde Place on Friday, 3rd July 2026 – secure your tickets now!