Arts & Culture
Connect & Create at Hucknall Library: April - July 2026
It’s never too late to try something new and share ideas in a friendly, supportive group!
Published 3rd July 2026
This year we are celebrating a remarkable milestone as Jazz Live at the Libraries celebrates 15 years of bringing high-quality live jazz to library audiences across Nottinghamshire through its successful partnership between Inspire and Jazz Steps.
What began with a single conversation in 2011 has grown into one of the region’s most distinctive and enduring cultural collaborations. Since the first performances were staged in libraries at Southwell, Worksop and Mansfield, the programme has evolved into a thriving series of concerts that continues to attract audiences, support musicians and showcase the unique role libraries can play as cultural spaces. The current venues for live jazz performances are Beeston, West Bridgford, and Worksop Libraries.
Over the past 15 years, thousands of people have enjoyed live jazz performances in library venues across the county. From established national and international artists to emerging regional talent. Jazz Steps Live at the Libraries has presented an extraordinary range of styles and performers, transforming library spaces into intimate concert venues where audiences can experience amazing jazz performances up close.
“Our range of jazz genres is very broad: Great American Songbook, Jazz Funk, New Orleans, ‘Gypsy’ jazz, Blues, Be-bop, interpretations of the music of jazz greats, lots of shades of ‘Contemporary’ - and more besides. We value that audiences trust our selections, with many events sold-out!.”
Since those first concerts, the programme has continued to grow and adapt – including putting on virtual gigs during Covid. Venues have changed, audiences have expanded, and the quality and diversity of the programme has continued to flourish. Through changing times and evolving cultural landscapes, the partnership between Inspire and Jazz Steps has remained strong, demonstrating the enduring appeal of live music and the important role libraries play as cultural hubs.
“We’re a great ‘Live at the Libraries’ team – Jazz Steps and Inspire – with several of us involved from the outset. And here we are, 15 years on, bringing great jazz to local audiences with enthusiastic staff and trained volunteers at every event.”
“I love being part of these live jazz gigs - meeting and
greeting audiences as they arrive, and staying to enjoy the music."
“Artists really enjoy performing at our Jazz Steps Live at the Libraries gigs. They like the novelty and intimacy of well-appointed libraries transformed into jazz venue and our hospitality, plus it’s a bonus that they play three nights in succession at venues not far apart.”
Reflecting on this anniversary, Inspire and Jazz Steps are proud to celebrate not only 15 years of memorable performances, but also the friendships, partnerships and shared experiences that have made the programme such a success.
Here's to 15 years of great jazz in great library spaces – and to many more years of music, community and inspiration still to come.
We can't wait for our next season to start in September 2026, at Beeston, West Bridgford and Worksop Libraries. We hope to see you there.
Event booking details coming soon at: inspireculture.org.uk/jazz
