Join us for a very special event featuring an exceptional selection of Leeds-based poets, rappers, singers and musicians for Leeds Jazz Festival 2026!

Blur the Lines is a celebration of grassroots creativity in Leeds. Expect an atmosphere like no other as we celebrate a blurring of the lines between jazz, hip hop and poetry!

The event is curated and produced by rap and spoken word artist Lence, who set out to create a platform that brings artists from different creative backgrounds into one space, as well as blurring the lines between rap and poetry.

Since their very first event in 2019, Blur the Lines has produced two sold-out shows at Leeds Playhouse, five at Leeds Literature Festival – most recently at Hyde Park Book Club to celebrate reaching 10 shows, three at The Holbeck venue supported by Theatre Company Slunglow, two supported by Leeds Inspired, one in association with Come Play With Me, one in the historic setting of Leeds Library and one at Howard Assembly Room featuring Jamettone. Blur the Lines has also been featured at the Poetry Off The Page – All Borders Blur Conference in London, an event mapping genre crossings in UK spoken word.