On the first weekend of July 2026, NYJO made its debut at Europe’s biggest outdoor jazz festival: Love Supreme in Glynde, East Sussex.
With the likes of Loyle Carner and Ezra Collective topping the bill, the festival has become synonymous with spotlighting young talent. Over the course of the weekend, the New Generation Jazz Stage was graced by sets from not one but THREE of our incredible NYJO musicians: Poppy Helmer (flute and sax), Miles Pillinger (drums) and Olivia Cuttill (trumpet) who all performed with their own ensembles.
NYJO’s varied musical activity was split across tuba workshops, a 45 minute set by our nine-piece tribute to Miles Davis and, finally, our Second Line show: an informal performance out in the field with our Emerging Professional jazz musicians.
Tuba Workshops
The brilliant Fergus Quill took over the Bands and Voices tent on Saturday afternoon and filled it with tubas. Supported by Assistant Educator Lexi Turvey, the pair delivered an energetic workshop open to all festival goers, giving participants of all ages their first taste of making sounds on the powerful but sometimes intimidating instrument. The crowd was so keen, Fergus had to split groups up into 10 minute rotations so everyone could have a go!
This year, Fergus Quill will be leading our NYJO North project, an amazing opportunity to widen access to Jazz in the North of England.
Second Line
Now a firm NYJO summer favourite, our Second Line performance features horns and percussion and is inspired by the tradition of New Orleans street music. Festival goers were encouraged to dance to the beat of our drums (and again, they didn’t need much persuading).
A special thanks to all our Emerging Professional musicians who helped out: Red Fielder-Van Kleeff (Band Leader and Drums), Emma Foulds (Tenor Sax), AJ Babatunde (Drums), George Menter (Trumpet), Spencer Sardokie (Percussion), Amelia Wilding (Drums), Akin Soul (Trombone), Eliza Dunhill (Trumpet) Ed Davies- Drums, (Sophie Ford- Percussion).
“Second Line is always one of my favourite parts of a festival, seeing people know the songs, dancing and even getting involved just adds to the atmosphere of the day. The musicians also loved being part of the band as led wonderfully by Red. It was a great day to make our Love Supreme debut!”
Kenyah Johnson, NYJO Small Ensembles & Engagement Manager
“Love Supreme was super fun! It’s always great to play and represent NYJO – especially so at a prestigious festival.”
Emma Foulds, Emerging Professional
Miles Davis 100
Taking classic songs mostly from Miles Davis‘ 1957 release Birth of the Cool and giving them a totally fresh lease of life, our Emerging Professional trumpet player Tom Stringer led a nine-piece ensemble at South Downs stage. Even though it was early in the day for some (11:45am), the packed tent made for an incredible atmosphere, and by the second number, they were swinging and singing along to well-loved hooks from the album.
Standout moments from Tom’s masterfully led set included moving renditions of Venus de Milo and Deception. Interspersing storytelling and music history into the mixture of new arrangements, Tom and his band held the attention of an already captivated audience.
All in all, our NYJO Love Supreme debut was huge success and we can’t wait until the next one! Catch our Orchestra & Ensembles Producer, George Gatehouse giving a full run down of NYJO’s Love Supreme takeover on Jazz FM.
