THIS year’s Sodbury Jazz & Blues Festival takes place from 5 to 7 June and the full programme has just been announced.

“We’re now in our fifth year” said co-organiser Stuart Hobday “and in that time we’ve managed to bring a host of famous names to the town. But this year will be something special.”

Headlining are two world-famous acts and, the organisers report, tickets are already selling fast.

On the opening night the acclaimed twelve-piece Pasadena Roof Orchestra appears at the Town Hall. For forty years they have delighted audiences all over the world with their stylish versions of '20s, '30s and '40s early swing and hot jazz classics.

Then, on the following evening, a major figure of 20th-century popular music and dance takes to the stage. American saxophonist, composer and arranger Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis was an important member of James Brown's band and, as his arranger, created one of the greatest horn sections of James Brown’s career. He’ll be appearing with his six-piece band and featuring blues songstress Lizzie Deane.

During the three day Festival, local jazz and blues artistes will be performing in a number of venues around the town, from cafés to pubs and coffee shops.

“Over the three days there will be a great variety of music to hear, from swing to blues to Hot Club jazz, all of it in and around the High Street,” reported Stuart Hobday. “We hope that everyone will come and support the concerts but, in particular, visit the local businesses that provide free music at their own expense during the Festival.

“Jazz and blues have been an important part of popular music for the past century and, whether we always realise it or not, we hear them on a daily basis“.

Closing the event on Sunday afternoon at The George Hotel will be Bristol’s fabulous Elles Bailey Band, recently returned from a short tour in Europe.

Full programme details can be seen on the website: www,sodburyjazzandblues.com