Biggar Django Festival 2026 | Sunday Tickets

 SUNDAY, 21 JUNE 2026

Biggar Django Festival – Where Musicians and Community Meet

Biggar Django Festival is a weekend for musicians, music-lovers, and friends of the Django tradition to come together. Three days of live sets, workshops, film, dance, and jam sessions – all in the spirit of sharing, learning, and celebrating Django Reinhardt and gypsy jazz. Whether you play, dance, or simply listen, this is a festival built by and for the community.

What's on Sunday?

11 am – 2 pm DJANGO JAM SESSION
Everyone’s welcome at The Elph for an easy-going Django‑inspired jam. Bring your instrument or just come along to enjoy the music, the company, and some fine whisky as players gather to celebrate Django’s legacy.

Venue: The Elphinstone, 145 High St, Biggar ML12 6DL

2 – 3:30 pm FREE WORKSHOP GUITAR Django Improvisation
Learn Django‑style improvisation with John Wheatcroft, Principal Lecturer (Guitar) at BIMM London. This in‑depth session explores core technique, arpeggio shapes, rhythmic power and the expressive phrasing at the heart of Gypsy Jazz. John draws on experience gained from performing with Biréli Lagrène, Billy Cobham, Alex Acuña, John Williams, Frank Gambale, Paco Peña, Stochelo Rosenberg, Angelo Debarre, Paulus Schäfer and Mozes Rosenberg, offering practical insights you can immediately apply to your own playing. John also appears at Biggar Django Festival on double bass for Robin Nolan Trio and the Manouchetones.

Venue: Arcadia Music Cafe, 1 Howieson Square (off High St) Biggar, ML12 6DP *Limited places available – first come, first served. Remember to add the workshop when purchasing your ticket!

 2 – 4 pm FREE LIVE BAND SOCIAL DANCE Swing & Lindy Hop - Open to the public
Enjoy a lively social dance with Chardon Bleu led by guitarist Stephen Tyler with Jim MacKay on guitar, Martin MacLeod on double bass and Andy Whiteford on clarinet, flute, and saxophone. The set features upbeat swing, welcoming Lindy Hop vibes and a full‑band festival buzz. All dancers welcome. Visiting musicians are encouraged to join the band, with a set list to be announced – bring your own charts, iPads and stands to slot straight into the band’s groove.

Venue: The Gillespie Centre, 74 High St, Biggar ML12 6BJ *Limited places available – first come, first served. Book your place here.
 
4 – 5 PM  FREE WORKSHOP Swingin' Strings Jazz  – Fiddle, Viola, cello
Award-winning violinist Seonaid Aitken leads this fun, accessible Gypsy Jazz workshop for string players of all levels. Bridge the gap between Classical/Folk and Jazz — learn to swing, pick up a tune by ear, and improvise using just three chords. No jazz experience needed. Just bring your curiosity and your instrument

Venue: Arcadia Music Cafe, 1 Howieson Square (off High St) Biggar, ML12 6DP *Limited places available – first come, first served. Remember to add the workshop when purchasing your ticket!

HEADLINE ACT SEONAID AITKEN’S MANOUCHE NOUVEAU
7:30 pm The Manouchetones 
A Liverpool‑based Gypsy Jazz ensemble specialising in 1930s Hot Club swing, Latin jazz and Django Reinhardt originals. Micky Dunn, Karl Webb and John Wheatcroft deliver vibrant arrangements, tight ensemble playing and an irresistibly warm stage presence that brings classic swing to life for festival audiences.

8:30 pm  SEONAID AITKEN’S Manouche Nouveau
Closing the festival in unforgettable style, Seonaid Aitken leads Manouche Nouveau with a fresh, modern take on Gypsy Jazz. Joined by guitar virtuosos Ross Baird and Ronan Toal, and the soulful Roy Percy on double bass, they craft a spellbinding blend of Django-inspired swing, contemporary chamber-jazz textures, and lyrical improvisation. Together, the band infuses the tradition with new energy, nuance, and cinematic colour, delivering a richly atmospheric, beautifully crafted performance. A leading figure in Scotland’s jazz and traditional music scenes, and BBC broadcaster, Seonaid is well known for her work with Rose Room and her distinctive blend of classical training, swing sensibility and folk influence. This headline set is a captivating journey, showcasing Seonaid’s expressive artistry and the band’s dynamic chemistry, perfectly rounding off the festival weekend in style.

Venue: Biggar Corn Exchange, 126 High St, Biggar, ML12 6DL
 
LATE NIGHT JAM SESSION
Everyone’s invited! After Sunday night’s main gig with Seonaid Aitken’s Manouche Nouveau, stay behind for more music, improvisation, and collaborative jams with local and visiting musicians 

Venue: Biggar Corn Exchange, 126 High St, Biggar, ML12 6DL