ORGANISERS of the 2015 Sodbury Jazz and Blues Festival are celebrating the result of last weekend's highly successful event, one that was enthusiastically supported by residents, visitors and local businesses - and of course the weather.

Eagerly anticipated headline acts The Pasadena Roof Orchestra and the world-renowned Pee Wee Ellis Assembly played to excited audiences at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall whilst pubs and cafés around the town hosted musicians playing a cross-section of musical styles from blues and boogie to classic swing.

“We are particularly pleased to have discovered two new young acts to feature this year’ said organiser Mark Lloyd. “One of them with their own swing style that included versions of contemporary pop songs, and the other an accordion-led jazz act that would have been at home in a Parisian café”.

Many businesses commented on the notable influx of visitors to the town that had been drawn into Chipping Sodbury to hear the music.

“The Jazz and Blues Festival is great because it brings people into the town”, commented Gerry Hampton of Hampton’s Delicatessen. “ I wish that there were more events like this. We always start Saturday with a Jazz Breakfast, a hugely popular event that appeals to both regular customers and visitors who want enjoy a whole day of music”

These sentiments were echoed by Greg Gale, owner of the Squire Inn.

“I think it’s a fantastic event because it’s so well organised. Having seen my fair share of mediocre pub bands, I know that I can always rely on the quality of the musicians at this Festival. My customers love it and I always look forward to it every year”.

The Sodbury Jazz and Blues Festival is supported by the Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury and, through the year, the organisers promote a number of other concerts. The next event is being organised for November, followed in January by the return of the popular blues singer and BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Paul Jones.