Love Supreme is the UK's biggest dedicated outdoor jazz festival. Held at Glynde Place, a beautiful Elizabethan manor house in the South Downs of East Sussex, it has been running since 2013 and has grown into one of the most important jazz events in Europe. But calling it "just" a jazz festival undersells the breadth of its programming. Soul, funk, R&B, Afrobeat, Latin, and spoken word all feature heavily, making it a celebration of Black music and its many branches.
Location and setting
Glynde Place sits at the foot of the South Downs, near Lewes in East Sussex. The grounds of the Elizabethan manor house provide a stunning backdrop, with the chalk hills of the Downs rising behind the main stage. The setting feels quintessentially English, which creates an interesting contrast with the music's predominantly American and African roots. The nearest town is Lewes, about two miles away, and Brighton is a 20-minute drive.
The festival typically runs from Friday to Sunday in early July. Glynde has excellent rail connections, with a station right next to the site on the London Victoria to Eastbourne line, making it one of the most accessible camping festivals in the south of England.
Music and lineup
Love Supreme's programming is genuinely world-class. Headliners have included Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Gregory Porter, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Erykah Badu, and TLC. The festival attracts artists at the very top of their fields, and the standard of performance is consistently exceptional.
Beyond the headliners, the undercard features established jazz musicians, rising stars from the London jazz scene (which is currently one of the most exciting in the world), soul and funk bands, and spoken word artists. The Big Top stage hosts more adventurous and avant-garde programming, while the Bandstand offers intimate acoustic sets. The Arena hosts the headline acts and bigger draws.
The London jazz scene connection
Love Supreme has been instrumental in showcasing the new wave of London jazz. Artists like Nubya Garcia, Ezra Collective, Shabaka Hutchings, and Kokoroko have all played the festival, often to audiences who then followed their careers as they broke through to mainstream recognition. If you want to understand why London jazz is being talked about globally, Love Supreme is an excellent starting point.
Beyond the music
The festival offers workshops, talks, and masterclasses alongside the music programme. Jazz musicians give instrument workshops, there are panel discussions about the state of the genre, and the spoken word tent features poets and storytellers. The food and drink programme includes a dedicated gin bar, a champagne tent, and food stalls that lean toward the upmarket end of the festival food spectrum.
Camping and accommodation
Weekend tickets include camping in the fields adjacent to the festival site. The camping is decent, with reasonable facilities and a flat, well-drained site. Boutique camping options are available, including bell tents and pre-pitched tents for those who want more comfort. There is also a glamping village with luxury options.
Given the proximity to Lewes and Brighton, many attendees choose not to camp, using day tickets and staying in local accommodation. This makes Love Supreme accessible to people who enjoy festivals but prefer a proper bed. Brighton has no shortage of hotels and B&Bs, and the train from Brighton to Glynde takes about 20 minutes. For those who do camp, our camping guide has you covered.
Family-friendly
Love Supreme is one of the more family-friendly festivals on the circuit. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the daytime programme is suitable for all ages. There is a kids' area with activities, and the general vibe is more "classy outdoor concert" than "muddy rave." Families with older children who appreciate music will find it particularly rewarding. See our family festival guide for more options.
Getting there and tickets
By train, Glynde station is a short walk from the festival site, with direct services from London Victoria (about 75 minutes), Lewes (5 minutes), and Brighton (20 minutes). By car, the site is accessible from the A27 between Lewes and Eastbourne. Parking is available on site.
Weekend tickets typically range from £180 to £240 for adults. Day tickets are available from around £60 to £90 depending on the day. Given the calibre of the headliners, these prices represent fair value compared to seeing the same artists at standalone concerts. The festival has sold out in recent years, particularly since the London jazz scene has brought a younger audience to the event.
Should you go?
If you love jazz, soul, funk, or any of the genres that orbit them, Love Supreme is essential. Even if you are not a jazz devotee, the quality of the performances, the beauty of the setting, and the civilised atmosphere make it a wonderful weekend. It is a festival that converts people. Many attendees arrive with a passing interest in jazz and leave with a Spotify playlist full of new discoveries and tickets booked for the following year.
