More than 70 free live performances will be staged across 23 venues when Newcastle-under-Lyme Jazz & Blues Festival returns for its 19th year over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Running from Friday 28 until Sunday 30 August, the event features a packed programme of free live music from jazz, blues and soul to funk, rock, indie and acoustic performances.
Artists include five-piece rock band Pretty Shivers, singer-songwriter and guitarist Jack Blackman, the Good Habits trio, blues group Barrelhouse Dukes, local vocalist Alisha Jean, the lively Never Sold Owt, and blues and Americana singer-songwriter Ben Hemming.
New for this year, Newcastle Jazz & Blues will take to the streets on Saturday, 29 August, with 6 Towns Radio hosting six live performances near The Guildhall from 12.30pm. Running alongside the Castle Food & Drink Fest, delivered with Independent Street, the Saturday will bring together live music, food, drink and artisan traders across the town centre, before the festival continues at venues around Newcastle into the evening.
Co-funded by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, the long running festival works with hospitality businesses and live music venue to encourage people to support local businesses and discover somewhere new alongside old favourites.
Venues taking part include The Clubhouse, The Greyhound, Hogarths, Cappello Lounge, The Crossways, Artisan Tap, Yates, The Boulevard, The Shed and The Rigger.
BID manager Charl Pearce said: “The Jazz & Blues Festival has become a real highlight in Newcastle-under-Lyme’s events calendar and we’re incredibly proud to be working with venues to deliver its 19th year. The festival showcases not only fantastic musicians but also the brilliant venues in Newcastle.
“Following feedback from our businesses, we’re hosting the festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend, allowing us to make the most of additional visitors and Bank Holiday Monday. Partnering with Independent Street and 6 Towns Radio for Castle Food & Drink Fest on the Saturday makes for an even bigger celebration and offers visitors a fantastic reason to spend the day in Newcastle-under-Lyme.”
Chris Wilson, owner of The Crossways, added: “Jazz & Blues is always one of our favourite weekends of the year. There’s such a fantastic atmosphere as people move between venues discovering new artists and enjoying everything the town has to offer. It’s a brilliant event for businesses and visitors alike, and one we always look forward to.”
The full line-up can be found on the festival’s website here.
