Jazz Festival

Bansko Jazz Festival Introduction

Since 1998, Bansko has staged a jazz festival which has quickly grown in popularity. About to celebrate its 10th anniversary in August 2007, the objectives of the festival are to give aspiring Bulgarian musicians a stage alongside German, American and other foreign artists.

The idea for the festival was conceived by the respected Bulgarian dermatologist, Dr. Emil Iliev. Dedicated to music in his spare time, in 1998 Dr. Iliev decided to lay the groundwork for the beginnings of an international music festival in the prospering Bulgarian mountain resort of Bansko. The challenge was daunting: to transform the little town into the centre of a significant cultural event.

Festival Information

The festival is traditionally held every year from 8-13 August. During a period of six nights the resort becomes the capital of jazz. Thousands of people converge on the town square where an open-air festival stage is built.

The format of the festival includes events on the main stage and informal jazz cafe sessions and jamming at local hotels and venues.

A full programme of events is available from the official Bansko Jazz Festival Website prior to the start of the event.