There are just three weeks to go before the 2024 Sidmouth Jazz and Blues Festival begins with Tony Hadley and his band at Blackmore Gardens.
The opening concert on Thursday, May 23 kicks off five days of live music.
Festival Director Ian Bowden said: "There is such a wonderful buzz and anticipation in the town as the festival looms ever closer.
"I have also spoken to several of our artistes ahead of the festival and for most, this will be the first time that they would have visited Sidmouth and they have expressed just how much they are really looking forward to performing at the festival.
"The spring weather hasn’t been too kind to us all lately - however, I have personally ordered sunshine for the festival weekend!
"Our passionate small team and I are immensely proud of what the Jazz and Blues Festival is bringing to Sidmouth and the surrounding region. For me personally, I can’t wait to see so many people enjoying themselves and having the best time ever, experiencing only the amazing music but importantly all that Sidmouth has to offer."
The headline concerts are Tony Hadley on Thursday evening, Roachford and MF Robots on Friday, May 24; Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca and his all-star Havana band on Saturday, May 25; R&B gospel singer Ruby Turner on Sunday, May 26th; and closing the festival on Monday, May 27, a double bill with two award–winning British singer songwriters, Americana and blues singer Elles Bailey and Jazz FM soul act of 2023 Mica Millar.
Single daytime tickets for Blackmore Gardens have now been announced, along with a special Bank Holiday Monday closing finale day ticket package.
There will be three days of free musical workshops from May 25 to 27; places need to be booked via the festival website.
Venues across Sidmouth will host free jazz and blues performances; these will be taking place at the Swan Inn, The Volunteer Inn, 14 Miles East, the Radway Inn, Rincon Coffee, the Chattery Café, G&O, the Balfour Arms, the Marine, Sidmouth Harbour Hotel, the Blue Ball Inn, Sidbury and the Kings Arms in Otterton.
For full details of the festival line-up, to buy tickets or book places for workshops, visit www.sidmouthjazz.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here