Preston’s Jazz and Improv Music Festival has reached two-thirds of the way through an eclectic mix of music and performance across the city.
Dozens of performances have been taking place at venues across the city, ranging from electronic, spoken word and showcasing some of the up and coming young musical talent too.
On Saturday, the Flag Market held Tune-In as passers-by and shoppers were treated to some of the county’s most exciting emerging alternative acts.
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While on Winckley Square the annual Young Jazz In The Park welcomed the Lancashire Schools Jazz Orchestra and Blue Moose Dance under sunkissed skies.
Mick Porter had his sunhat on while also snapping the live music across the Flag Market and Winckley Square.
This year’s festival finishes on Saturday (6 June) with a free open-air concert Lancashire Sounds on the Square in Winckley Square.
Director of the festival Tony Rigg said: “The programme is shaped and co-created with local partners, artists, venues and communities. We have some world-class talent coming in from further afield, but we also have our own amazing home-grown talent – including young people, emerging and established artists – who will be front and centre this year. While it may be a jazz festival by name, it is much broader in spirit: it’s a festival of music and culture with something for everyone.”
Cabinet member for arts and culture at Preston City Council, Anna Hindle, said: “This year’s festival is a brilliant celebration of both world-class artists and the outstanding talent we have here in Lancashire. It’s great to see our city spaces brought to life with music that everyone can enjoy.”
More than 50 performances have taken place at 25 different venues during the festival which began in mid-May.
Artch Studios in Marsh Lane kicked things off with the Creative Social.
The Music of Dextor Gordon got toes tapping with their performance at the Continental.
And the business of music promotion was in focus at the Lancashire Music Summit at the University of Lancashire.
The Ferret was taken over on Tuesday 19 May for Lancashire Sounds.
Chews Yard hosted Les Gillon and Angels of Karma on Friday 22 May.
Drum Circles workshops were held to get the skills of samba drumming shared during the weekend of Saturday 23 May.
The Ferret’s 20th birthday weekender was included with a host of different performances marking two decades of rocking at the Fylde Road venue.
Followed by an electronic music open night at the same venue.
St Walburge’s Church got involved in the past week with the Gregorian Chanting.
And Chews Yard welcomed Afro Rhythms this weekend.
Fingers crossed for the weather for the finale in Winckley Square on Saturday!
