Jazz festival starts at the manor

An American-themed evening kicks off the annual Ashford Jazz Festival on Thursday, July 4. The Highworth Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Colin Welch, will be joined by clarinettist Julian Marc Stringle and saxophonist Derek Nash for the concert at Eastwell Manor, Boughton Aluph. The American Independence Daythemed concert will run from 7.30pm to 10pm. On Friday, July 5, a jazz and blues jam evening featuring local musicians will take place at the Press Rooms in Park Street from 8pm to 11pm. The festival comes to a close with two performances on Saturday, July 6. There’s alfresco jazz from Burt Butler’s Jazz Pilgrims at Park Mall from 10.30am to 1.30pm, then the Trad Lads will play at the British Volunteer in New Street from 8.30pm to 11pm. Tickets for the Thursday night concert at Eastwell Manor are £6 in advance or £8 on the night. Call 01233 213020. Everything else free.

Mick Hubert in Burt Butler’s Jazz Pilgrims