The 2024 Swanage programme includes ‘old favourites’ and British Jazz legends such as Dave Newton and Alan Barnes, Norma Winstone, performing with The Printmakers,  The Clark Tracey Quintet, Art Themen’s Organ Quintet, American alto saxist Greg Abate and the return of Henry Lowther’s Still Waters who performed to great acclaim in 2022.

These are complemented by new rising stars including Emma Rawicz who performs with her quintet and her 20 piece Orchestra, trumpeter Henry Spencer and his band and singer Noemi Nuti and her quintet.

Swanage’s Friday programme takes on a party atmosphere with West and South African influenced Thokozile, Horns Upfront providing a Tower of Power atmosphere followed by Derek Nash and Noel McCalla jazzing up Stevie Wonder with their ‘Wonder of Stevie’ show.

Swanage’s programme always includes a lively New Orleans and mainstream element and this year that programme strand includes Simon Thorpe’s exuberant ‘Jivin’ Miss Daisy’ band, Martin Litton’s Red Hot Peppers and trumpeter Digby Fairweather’s Half Dozen, his first appearance at Swanage for nine years.

Renowned author and broadcaster Alyn Shipton will be talking about his book on Gerry Mulligan and later performing music from Mulligan’s pianoless Quartet and at least one Jazz Jam session is planned. Work is also underway to re-stage the Sunday morning Jazz and Gospel Service at Swanage Methodist Church which proved very popular in 2023.

The Festival will have a free Festival Fringe in pubs and clubs with over 20 bands expected and the Festival expects to host up to four youth Big Bands in Swanage’s iconic refurbished bandstand.

Tickets are available from www.swanagejazzfestival.co.uk/tickets