Press - Biggar Django Festival

About the Festival

The Biggar Django Festival is a new international music festival celebrating gypsy jazz inspired by the legacy of Django Reinhardt.

Taking place in the historic market town of Biggar, South Lanarkshire, the festival brings together outstanding musicians from across the UK and Europe for a weekend of live performance, cultural exchange, and community celebration.

The festival aims to establish Biggar as a growing destination for arts and cultural tourism, supporting local businesses while building a long-term annual cultural event for the region.

Vision Statement

The Biggar Django Festival has been created to bring world-class music into an intimate Scottish setting, connecting international performers with local audiences.

Our long-term goal is to develop a sustainable cultural festival that:

Strengthens Biggar’s identity as an arts destination
Supports local tourism and hospitality
Celebrates the heritage and evolution of gypsy jazz

Creates meaningful cultural exchange between Scotland and Europe.

Audiences can expect

Live performances from leading gypsy jazz musicians
Workshops by leading artists
Dance classes in swing jazz
Intimate, high-quality music settings including public participation
A welcoming, community-focused atmosphere
Food, hospitality, and local business engagement
A celebration of both tradition and innovation in jazz

STORY ANGLES FOR MEDIA

Journalists may wish to explore:
Cultural Story
How European gypsy jazz traditions are being brought to rural Scotland
Local Development Story
Biggar’s emergence as a cultural destination in South Lanarkshire
Music Feature
The legacy of Django Reinhardt and modern gypsy jazz revival
Tourism & Economy
The role of small festivals in supporting rural economies
Community Story
How local communities benefit from international cultural events

KEY QUOTES

“The Biggar Django Festival is about creating something lasting in the town — a cultural event that connects international musicians with local audiences in a unique and intimate setting.”

“We want to build a festival that grows year on year, supporting Biggar’s identity as a place for arts, culture, and community.”

“This is as much about place as it is about music — bringing people together through shared cultural experience.”