Absolutely. All jam sessions are open, informal and welcoming. Bring your instrument, your voice, or simply come along to listen. No booking required — just turn up and join the atmosphere.

Yes. The festival is designed for musicians, dancers and music‑lovers of all levels. Workshops are beginner‑friendly, concerts are open to all, and many events (including the film, dance sessions and jams) are perfect for anyone who simply enjoys Gypsy Jazz music.

Workshops are beginner friendly unless stated otherwise. No prior Gypsy Jazz experience is required.

Our Big Friday Swing Sesh at Arcadia Music Cafe is BYOB, and free snacks will be available. Biggar Corn Exchange has a bar. The Gillespie Centre’s café closes at 3pm. Biggar’s cafés and pubs will also be open throughout the weekend.

All venues are on or near Biggar High Street: 

• Arcadia Music Cafe, 1a Howieson Square, Biggar ML12 6DP

• Biggar Corn Exchange, 126 High St, Biggar ML12 6DL

• The Gillespie Centre, 74 High St, Biggar ML12 6BJ

• The Crown, 109–111 High St, Biggar ML12 6DL

• The Elph,145 High St, Biggar ML12 6DL

There are a range of accommodation options in and around Biggar, including hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering stays.

In Biggar itself, you’ll find welcoming options such as The Kirkstyle Hotel, The Elphinstone Hotel, and Cornhill Castle Hotel, as well as smaller, cosy stays like The Old Mill B&B and B&B at No 4.

We recommend booking early, as accommodation in the area can fill up quickly during events. You can find more details and make bookings via each venue’s website or Booking.com.

Yes. Biggar has free on‑street parking throughout the town, all within a short walk of festival venues.

Yes, though evening concerts and late‑night jams may be more suitable for adults.

Most venues offer assisted access. Corn Exchange has a stair climber. The Gillespie Centre has a ramp and lift. Arcadia Music Cafe and The Crown have a couple of steps. The Elphinstone is step‑free, but the jam is upstairs. If you have specific access needs, please contact the festival team in advance at: info@biggardjangofestival.org.uk

If the event is not sold out, yes – but we strongly recommend booking in advance, especially for workshops and headline concerts, which have limited capacity.

Yes — festival T‑shirts and more will be available across the weekend.

If you can no longer attend an event, you may request a full refund up to 7 days before the event. Refunds of 50% are available for cancellations made between 2 and 6 days before the event. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer refunds within 48 hours of the event, except in exceptional circumstances. However, we will do our best to re-sell your ticket where possible.

If the festival is cancelled, all ticket holders will receive a full refund.

Workshops are free to attend. If you can’t make it, please cancel your booking so someone else can take your place.

For refunds and workshop cancellations, please email: info@biggarcornexchange.org 

Yes. The Saturday workshop is beginner‑friendly, and the Sunday live band social dance welcomes dancers of all levels. No partner required.

Yes. Visiting musicians are encouraged to join Chardon Bleu for the Sunday social dance. Bring your charts, iPad and music stand.

For instrument workshops: bring your instrument. For dance workshops: wear comfortable clothing and smooth‑soled shoes, and bring water.