Arts & Culture
The Leen: Nottingham's River Exhibition
From its source in the Robin Hood Hills above Newstead Abbey to the River Trent at the Meadows, the…
Published 10th July 2026
This year we are celebrating a remarkable milestone as Jazz Live at the Libraries celebrates 15 years - that's 15 years of bringing high-quality live jazz to library audiences across Nottinghamshire through Inspire's successful partnership with Jazz Steps.
What began with a single conversation in 2011, and the first performance taking place at Southwell Library that year, Jazz Live at the Libraries has grown into one of the region’s most distinctive and enduring cultural collaborations. Since that first performance 15 years ago, our 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. Jazz Live at the Libraries performances currently take place at Beeston, West Bridgford, and Worksop Libraries as part of the continuing programme.
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 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 flourish. Venues have changed, audiences have expanded, and the quality and diversity of the programme has continued to evolve. Through changing times and evolving cultural landscapes, the partnership between Inspire and Jazz Steps has remained strong.
“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 attend the jazz gigs as part of the library team which hosts and stages them. It is always a great opportunity to experience such talented musicians so close to home, and I think the concerts demonstrate the enduring appeal of live music and the important role libraries can play as cultural venues."
“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 at: inspireculture.org.uk/jazz
