Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues was founded in 2007 following a meeting of people interested in playing and listening to live music. Geoff Jackson and the founding members began promoting monthly gigs featuring bands principally from the North West. Over time bands were sourced from further afield with the help of Jazz North funding. Together with the famous Friday lunch time jazz at the Grand, Clitheroe, the club consolidated a significant addition to the musical world of the area.

 

It was then decided that activity should be expanded by putting on a yearly festival in May beginning in 2010. This expanded successfully over a number of years to gain the title International Jazz and Blues Festival, attracting well-known musicians from the US and Europe as well as high-flyers in the UK Jazz world. Recently the club has partnered with young promoters to bring new and “on the cusp of success” players to Clitheroe.

Festivals have incorporated a programme of fringe events bringing live music to many bars and restaurants throughout the Ribble Valley and provided Sunday lunch jazz in many well-known venues.

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The Club has also turned its attention to the role of learning jazz players in the club, supporting playing for pleasure ensembles such as the Slipper Band and Jazz Junction. The Ribble Valley Jazz Big Band was founded in 2012, followed by the Blue Funk Syndicate and continue to thrive. A monthly Improvisation workshop, a women-focused group Elbow Room and monthly Jazz Jam give further opportunities for learning players to improve confidence and technique. The Jackson Jazz and Blues (JJB) Award has started several musicians under 25 years on their musical careers.

 

The club is committed to developing and supporting grassroots music, celebrating the success of its very popular Jazz Jam in building a faithful band of players and audience, and focusing on the magic created by the blend and connection of local music making with top jazz and blues musicians as evidenced by the 2026 June Jazz Festival.