Max SteventonThe 60th Montreux Jazz Festival has concluded after attracting more than 250,000 attendees over 16 days, organisers said.
The festival reported an average occupancy of 91% across its ticketed venues and staged more than 700 concerts and activities during the event. A total of 51 concerts were livestreamed free worldwide, representing around three quarters of the ticketed programme.
Organisers said the broadcasts generated more than 9.5 million views across YouTube and social media before the festival’s final weekend.
The 2026 edition also marked the festival’s return to the Congress Centre following its refurbishment, bringing performances back to the Stravinski Auditorium and Montreux Jazz Lab stages.
The anniversary edition opened with a performance by Raye, who was joined by Alicia Keys and Mark Ronson for a set marking the festival’s 60th anniversary. The performance included tributes to Nina Simone, Prince, Aretha Franklin, James Brown and Ray Charles.
The programme also featured performances from Ezra Collective, Joy Crookes, PinkPantheress, Tyla, Conan Gray, Zara Larsson, GIVĒON, Liniker, Sienna Spiro and Nectar Woode.
The closing weekend featured Marcus Miller leading a tribute to Miles Davis, while Charles Lloyd was recognised for his long association with the festival, almost six decades after first appearing in Montreux.