The opening ceremony on April 11th provided a festive opening to the festival. Playing with the theme 'Jazz from Africa,' South African guitarist Vuma Levin took to the stage with an Amsterdam-based sextet. Further performances included a trio appearance by drummer Han Bennink, guitarist Reinier Baas and saxophonist Ben van Gelder.

Viktorien van Hulst, General Director of the Fund, praised the progressiveness, openness, and curiosity of jazz in her speech, describing the genre as "an exciting realm of free thinking and experimentation."

From April 11th to 13th, thousands of jazz professionals, including representatives from artists, labels, festivals, production companies and the press gathered for the jazzahead! trade fair. At the Dutch stand, visitors received information about the Dutch jazz scene and engaged in discussion.

Panel discussions and info sessions were interspersed with showcases featuring Alessandro Fongaro's Pietre, Guy Salamon Group, BOI AKIH, Kika Sprangers Large Ensemble, Ben van Gelder & Reinier Baas, Marmoucha Orchestra, Raw Fish and Tineke Postma Aria Group.

The evening of April 12th was dedicated to CLUBNIGHT. Approximately 35 clubs, theatres, museums, churches and hotels in Bremen opened their doors to performances by local and international jazz artists. The Dutch acts Alto for Two, Lucas Santana, Instant Composers Pool (ICP), Ronny deCarlo, kotokid and WAAN featured prominently in the programme.

The festival concluded with a gala concert highlighting Cuban mambo. Trumpeter Maite Hontelé conducted the Nationaal Jeugd Jazz Orkest (NJJO), with special guests flutist Ronald Snijders and pianist Ramón Valle.

On Sunday, April 13th, in collaboration with Buma Cultuur and jazzahead!, we organised a programme in a typical Dutch format: a musical bicycle tour through Bremen. Participants attended performances by Alessandro Fongaro and George Dumitriu, Steven Kamperman's Maison Moderne and the Ella Zirina Trio at various locations throughout the city.

The performing ensembles left with new performance dates in their schedules and new fans from around the world. To all attendees and festival partners: thank you!