BRIDPORT - BIRTH OF THE COOL
MARCH 2026 – IN VENUES ACROSS BRIDPORT AND BEYOND
In March 2026, Bridport gets its groove on with a month-long festival that dives into every flavour of jazz.
Think New Orleans boogie. Gypsy swing. Sassy jazz-funk. Big-voiced divas.
If it swings, shouts or struts….it’s in!
Bridport – Birth of the Cool is back for year two, spreading music across theatres, bars, record shops and those little nooks only locals know.
Expect close-up shows. Spunky sounds. A town humming with that “something’s happening” energy.
And the name?
It nods towards the ice-cold swagger of Miles Davis and to Bridport’s own independent streak.
Cool meets coastal — let the sparks fly.
Sponsored by Jazz Jurassica and Clocktower Records.
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Why Bridport – Birth of the Cool?
Why the name? Because it carries the spirit of Miles Davis – bold, inventive, and never playing it safe. That attitude sits at the core of what we want this festival to be.
Miles wasn’t just a trumpeter. He was a creator who kept pushing jazz forward. Smooth one moment, explosive the next. A sound that could floor you. A musician who rewrote the rulebook.
A name with a history
Birth of the Cool nods to the landmark 1957 Miles Davis album that blended new ideas, new players and a fresh, spacious sound. It marked a shift in jazz – sleek, sharp and, yes, cool.
The later Netflix documentary of the same name opened up the man behind the legend: the innovator who refused to stand still, who inspired artists in jazz, fashion, film, soul, rock and hip-hop. Creativity without limits.
That’s the spark behind our festival.
Fit for Bridport
Bridport’s got its own rebellious streak. So we cooked up a name that matched the town’s energy and vibe.
Birth of the Cool does the job: no degree in jazzology needed! Just curiosity, open ears.and a love of live music.
Venues & Sponsors
We are very grateful for the support of participating venues and organisations which include:
Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport Masonic Hall (Jazz, Funk & Soul Club); Clocktower Records; The Electric Palace; Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis (Jazz Jurassica) and The Ropemakers;
We also like to thank Andy Littler for his support.
The main festival sponsors are Jazz Jurassica and Clocktower Records.
March 2006
Cool belongs in Bridport
Bridport – Birth of the Cool isn’t a tribute act or a nostalgia trip. It’s a festival built on the same principle that drove Miles Davis his whole life: don’t repeat yourself — create something new.
So expect surprises. Expect music that crosses boundaries. Expect artists who bring their own shape, sound and swagger. Expect a festival with heart, soul and edge on the Jurassic Coast.