The ceremony will feature a lineup spanning jazz, soul, and blues, with Morrison connected to related news about recent performances and upcoming Belfast lunch-and-show dates.

Jazz FM content director Nick Pitts lauds Morrison’s distinctive blend of jazz, soul, blues, and poetry, noting its global resonance and influence on many artists.

Van Morrison is to receive the Jazz FM Awards 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his influence across jazz, blues, and related genres.

Other nominees highlighted include Raye for Soul Act of the Year and Ezra Collective for The Innovation Award.

The 2026 ceremony is officially scheduled for 16 April at KOKO in London, confirming the venue and date.

The Jazz FM Awards 2026 ceremony is set for Thursday, April 16, 2026, at KOKO in London, with a host lineup led by Ben Bailey Smith, known as Doc Brown.

The awards are presented in collaboration with PPL and PRS for Music, and Doc Brown will host the event for a second time.