Savoy Jazz Jam (Watford)
Solo Jazz · usually November
- Next
- Friday 6 November 2026 – Sunday 8 November 2026
- Where
- Beechen Grove Baptist Church, Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JJ
- Price
- Full pass GBP 299.99 (sold out); social dance pass GBP 69.99
- Organiser
- Jiveswing (Welwyn)
About Savoy Jazz Jam (Watford)
Savoy Jazz Jam is a solo jazz weekend in Watford run by JiveSwing.com, always held on the first weekend of November. The 2026 edition is the ninth. It follows African American jazz dance from its African and plantation roots through to hip hop and today's solo jazz. The programme starts with a Friday evening master class and welcome party, then workshops on Saturday and Sunday, Swingopedia history discussions, and evening social dances. Saturday night is a band night and competition with the Harlem Nights Band. The venue is Beechen Grove Baptist Church, with some events at Watford Palace Theatre across the road. Teachers for 2026 are Sonny Allen, Sugar Sullivan, Barbara Billups and Chester Whitmore from the USA, plus Joseph Sewell and Charlotte Middlemiss from the UK. There are two levels, improver to intermediate and intermediate/advanced to advanced. It suits dancers who already know basics such as the JiveSwing Stroll, Shim Sham and Charleston Stroll, and the page does not list a beginner level. The page says ticket sales benefit elder dancers, and a Safe Spaces policy is linked.
What to expect
Full passes for 2026 sold out and a waiting list is available by email, with only a few Social Dance Passes (Friday and Saturday evenings, GBP 69.99) left at last check. Sunday is open to full pass holders only. Watford Junction is about five minutes on foot, parking is free on site, and Leonardo Hotels is opposite the venue.
New to festivals?
Most UK weekenders welcome improvers and up, and many add a taster or beginners' track – check the organiser's page. Our guide to swing festivals covers passes, tracks and what to pack.
Sources
Checked against the festival's own website on Friday 30 October 2026. Dates and prices change – confirm before you book.
More UK festivals
- Oxford Lindy Exchange (OLX) – Oxford
- Cambridge Lindy Exchange (CLX) – Cambridge
- Edinburgh Lindy Exchange (ELX) – Edinburgh
- Save the Fast Dance (Cambridge) – Cambridge
- Swing Sanctuary (Cambridge) – Cambridge
- Blues at the 'Bridge (Cambridge) – Cambridge
- WGC Swing Festival (Welwyn Garden City) – Welwyn Garden City
- CSD Fest (CheltenhamSwing.Dance Festival) – Cheltenham