Town to swing for entire week (From Gazette Series)

Town to swing for entire week

THE appeal of jazz in Thornbury has long been recognised and the town's Community Association is commmited to having more of it at the Chantry in Castle Street.

Last year's weekend Jazz Festival in the Chantry garden was a big success which boosted moves to make it an annual event.

Now Thornbury is once again set to swing - this time for a whole week.

During Jazz Week starting on Monday, bands or duos will be performing in most of the town's pubs on a rotational basis. This will be rounded off by feature bands performing in the Chantry garden next Friday and Saturday evening (July 8/9) from 8pm-10.30pm.

The Cass Caswell All Stars (every musician a band leader) will be featured at the Chantry on Friday with their unique style of jazz from New Orleans.

The Veronique Big Band takes the stand on Saturday evening with music of Glenn Miller and other popular items.

Event co-ordinator Douglas Daniels said: "This will be a fitting conclusion to jazz week in the town. It will also round off a great celebration at the Chantry on Saturday when the Royal British Legion and other groups celebrate the 60th anniversary VE Day."

Thornbury pubs participating in jazz week are: The Wheatsheaf, the Knot of Rope, The White Lion and The Swan.

Mr Daniels said: "Two further inns are also being approached so this adds up to virtually all the inns in the central area of town. We're very pleased with their response.

"They're as determined as we are to make 'music all the way' in Thornbury during the week. "We're looking for the fullest support from visitors to the town. Capacity attendances would be a satisfying reward for all the work that has gone into the event.

"The success of this jazz week will determine whether it becomes an annual event. Thornbury is ideal as a jazz mecca serving North Bristol and South Gloucestershire."

Tickets for the Friday and Saturday events are available from the Chantry in Castle Street (01454 414268) and also from the box office in Thornbury Town Hall (01454 412103).

Limited seating will be provided and refreshments, including a bar, will be available.