The Independent today announces its return as the exclusive global news partner of the Montreux Jazz Festival for a fourth consecutive year, marking a milestone moment as the festival celebrates its 60th edition.
Building on a longstanding and evolving partnership, The Independent will deliver an expanded programme of editorial coverage across the festival lifecycle – from exclusive pre-announcement features and artist interviews, through to immersive reporting and post-festival analysis, bringing Montreux’s unique cultural offering to its global readership.
Ahead of the festival, The Independent will offer audiences a deeper look into this year’s landmark 60th edition, including an exclusive interview with CEO Mathieu Jaton reflecting on Montreux’s legacy and future, alongside preview features spotlighting key artists and the evolution of the festival over six decades. Coverage will also explore Montreux’s place within the wider European festival landscape, reinforcing its status as one of the most coveted stages in music.
This year’s programme features much anticipated returns, debuts and must-see performances. RAYE, who will open the festival, returns for the third year with a curated line up of guests. Pop icons include PinkPantheress, Zara Larsson, Tyla and Lewis Capaldi. Legendary names joining the programme include John Legend, Deep Purple, The Isley Brothers, Marcus Miller, Sting, James Taylor and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Charles Lloyd, who performed at the very first edition in 1967, makes a special return for the festival’s 60th year.
During the festival, The Independent’s Roisin O’Connor, Music Editor, and music team will report live, producing daily dispatches via the ‘Montreux Report’, capturing standout performances and behind the scenes content. This will be complemented by dynamic video and on-the-ground commentary across The Independent’s social media, including interviews and commentary from artists, fans and the Montreux team, bringing audiences and readers closer to the experience.
Post-festival, reporting will continue with in-depth reviews, newsletter recaps via Now Hear This, and curated video content, ensuring Montreux’s defining moments resonate beyond the shore of Lake Geneva.
Entering its 60th year, Montreux Jazz Festival remains one of the world’s most celebrated music events. Through this partnership, The Independent continues to champion the festival’s enduring cultural significance, while connecting its global audience to one of music’s most influential and iconic stages.
Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief of The Independent, remarks: “Montreux Jazz Festival remains one of the most iconic stages in the world, drawing extraordinary artists and unforgettable performances year after year. The Independent is delighted to continue our partnership with such a prestigious festival, and we look forward to coming together once again in 2026 to celebrate truly exceptional moments in music.”
The Independent’s Music Editor, Roisin O’Connor, says: “I’m delighted that The Independent is continuing our partnership with Montreux Jazz Festival. The team at Montreux raise the bar each year for what a music festival can achieve, and this year, the festival’s triumphant 60th edition, is no different. I can’t wait to return to help celebrate such a fantastic and unique event, in such beautiful surroundings.”
Kevin Donnet, Chief Communication Officer of Montreux Jazz Festival, says: “We’re proud to hit our 60th edition alongside such a great partner like The Independent. Our collaboration grows stronger each year, notably through The Independent’s takeover of the Spotlight Stage to support rising artists. Their dedication to promoting both the festival and the Montreux area helps us bring our culture and high-quality storytelling to the world.”
