Poppy Helmer & Friends

Led by flautist and saxophonist Poppy Helmer, Poppy Helmer & Friends is a six-piece band performing her original compositions. Her music is inspired by her eccentric, creative upbringing in a large Brighton family.

Performing original compositions written and arranged by Poppy, the band's music is inspired by her upbringing in a large, creative and wonderfully eccentric family in Brighton. Blending imaginative storytelling with expressive improvisation, they create a vibrant and deeply personal contemporary jazz sound.

Poppy Helmer is a flautist and saxophonist from Brighton, now based in London where she has just completed her jazz studies at Trinity Laban. With the help of her band, her playful and charming compositions, such as 'Polar Bear With Rollerskates (In Disguise)' and 'Little Legs', are brought to life. Despite being fresh on the scene, the band have already performed at We Out Here, Brick Lane Jazz Festival and Vortex Jazz Club and this summer will see them at Love Supreme Festival. Her influences include Eric Dolphy, Charles Mingus and Thelonious Monk.

Whilst at Trinity Laban, Poppy has been a member of the Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Byron Wallen, Bruno Heinen and Percy Pursglove. In addition, she has recently recorded flute on Olivia Murphy's 'Siren Cycle' and holds the flute chair in Olivia Murphy's Jazz Orchestra.

As well as conservatoire training, her music education has been shaped by mentorship from Tomorrow's Warriors. In 2025 she had the privilege of making her debut abroad with the Tomorrow's Warriors 'Frontline' ensemble at Le Petit Faucheux in Tours, France.