Last year, the City of Antwerp launched the search for a new organiser for the successor to Jazz Middelheim, Belgium's iconic jazz festival that last took place in the summer of 2022. The choice fell on a collaboration between the sustainable Paradise City Festival, which takes place annually in Steenokkerzeel, and the Brussels jazz & urban ethno Festival Brosella.

At a press conference in Kasteel Den Brandt, the new organisation led by Bert Schreurs and Gilles De Decker finally shed light on the details of the new plans for the historic festival. Jazz Middelheim will thus return to Park Den Brandt during the Whitsun weekend: 6, 7, 8 and 9 June 2025. Originally, the festival always went on in August, but because that Monday 9 June is a public holiday, the festival can now go on for four days. Moreover, at this time, the park will be at its most beautiful: in full bloom.

Alderman for Culture Nabilla Ait Daoud. ‘Jazz Middelheim is back, groovier than ever. Antwerp, always a cradle of jazz, is once again the beating heart of this musical festival. Be surprised by a fresh, innovative approach that lets young and old discover that jazz is not a thing of the past, but a vibrant celebration of creativity and rhythm - pure fun for all!’

Paradise City and Brosella present an ideal balance between tradition and innovation. Jazz Middelheim's rich history and classic jazz tradition remain central, while there is plenty of room for fresh, innovative developments within the genre.

The festival site on the beautiful castle grounds will be completely taken care of by Kader Meraki - a specialised deco team known from Waking Life and Paradise City Festival, among others. No chilly tents or monotonous stages, but cosy meadows full of interesting details and cosy corners for visitors to discover. There will be three stages: one with seating, one with standing room, and one especially for jazzy DJ sets. Visitors can also look forward to high-quality gastronomic options, with a carefully curated range of quality wines, beers and specialty coffee. With a real ‘family day’, one of the four days will be especially aimed at families with children.

Ticket sales for Jazz Middelheim will start in the first week of December.