The Independent announces today that it will be the exclusive online global media partner of the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival, which runs from 30 June to 15 July 2023 in Montreux, Switzerland.

The news comes as the festival reveals this year’s lineup, which includes Bob Dylan, Lil Nas X, Sam Smith, Lionel Richie and Janelle Monae. One of the most revered events in music, Montreux has grown from its jazz roots in the 1960s to having more than 250,000 people descend on Lake Geneva each year to take in performances from some of the biggest acts in the world.

The Independent will be publishing extensive editorial content around the festival including interviews, announcements and festival exclusives, as well as supporting commercially. In recognition of its international presence, The Independent will be the festival’s global media partner, alongside TV5 Monde, and the only news partner in the UK and US, delivering all the latest updates from two weeks of unforgettable performances around the world.

The partnership demonstrates The Independent’s ongoing commitment to supporting the arts, and comes hot on the heels of the new series of Music Box premiering on Independent TV, along with its partnerships with The Great Escape and Black Deer Festival. It means that Montreux will reach The Independent’s 74 million readers. The Independent is the UK’s largest quality digital news brand, whilst in the US, it has achieved huge popularity, where it is the only growing UK-based news brand.

The Independent’s Culture and Lifestyle News Editor, Roisin O’Connor, said: Montreux Jazz Festival is one of the most prestigious and storied festivals in the world, set in one of the most picturesque locations. I am thrilled that The Independent is partnering with organisers this year, becoming part of such a proud cultural landmark. 

Arguably before any other music event, Montreux understood the transcendental nature of music. Perhaps this is why it is the only place you’ll find Bob Dylan on the same lineup as Lil Nas X, Sam Smith, Janelle Monae, Loyle Carner and Mark Ronson.

Montreux Jazz Festival is about discovery and offering fans of all ages to celebrate their mutual love of music. Its 2023 lineup is just the latest evidence of Montreux’s status, both as a heritage festival respected by musicians the world over, and as an event that has its finger on the pulse of future talent. We simply can’t wait to celebrate this year with them.”

Mathieu Jaton, CEO of Montreux Jazz Festival, commented: “Like Montreux Jazz Festival, The Independent is a prestigious brand recognised and respected internationally, making this such a special partnership full of opportunities. We look forward to working with them during the incredible 2023 edition of the festival and beyond.”