ILKLEY Jazz Festival is preparing to host some fantastic music over a five day event to include top jazz stars, workshops, a late night jazz jam, a jazz brunch and a special masterclass.

Starting on Tuesday, August 16 there will be nine live performances from some of the best jazz musicians in the UK.

After the initial success of the last two years, the decision was made to expand into a fledgling jazz festival. "We’re small, but determined to grow," said Mark Beirne-Smith, festival organiser. "Ultimately, it’s all about presenting top quality jazz and there are some amazing artists coming to perform for us."

Headlining the festival is Tina May, one of the country's most renowned contemporary jazz singers. She will be appearing at The Winter Gardens on Friday, August 19 at 7.30pm. Her concert appearances and her stylistically diverse recordings showcase her mastery of a wide spectrum of genres. This year Tina will be performing her ‘Piaf’ show. Tickets are on sale at the Ilkley Visitor Information Centre

Prior to the show there will be a pre-show meal (£22.50) and intimate performance at Monkmans Restaurant by violist Emma Frisk with James Birkett, performing work from Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang. Places are limited and need to be booked with Monkmans.

On Saturday, August 20 there is a full day of jazz based in Christchurch on the Grove Ilkley. Tickets are on sale at The Grove Bookshop, £30 for the full day.

The day starts at 11am with the ever popular workshop. The event with Adrian Knowles and Ben Lowman, which was a huge success last year, is open to all abilities and ages.

At 2pm international multi award winning jazz guitarist Gary Potter starts the performances (tickets £5). Gary is regarded as one of the greatest jazz and country guitarists in the world is influenced by players such as Django Reinhardt.

Following on from Gary Potter, tenor saxophonist Graeme Wilson and his quartet will be playing idiosyncratic original tunes, with unusual time signatures (tickets £5).

At 6pm Beverley Beirne will be performing with her London quartet a preview of the forthcoming album Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun. The album is being produced by Grammy award winning,New York based producer Jason Miles (Miles Davis, Luther Vandross).

Mark said: "Sometimes jazz, that great American art form that tends to take itself way too seriously, just wants to kick off its shoes and have a good time. And now, it can, thanks to Beverley Beirne singing with an honest and heartfelt, deep-soul sensuality and scatting with abandon in places that would do Ella proud, she swings both lightning fast and seductively slow on clever and stylish re-imaginings of perfectly chosen 80s hits." Tickets for this performance are £12.50.

The headline performance at Christchurch is the QCBA, a London based quartet led by Quinten Collins (trumpet) and Brandon Allen (tenor sax). Both Collins and Allen tour internationally with Kyle Eastwood and regularly perform at Ronnie Scotts. “Beauty in quiet places” consists of original material written by Collins and Allen that provides a fresh take on the hard bop formula, mixing in some Latin flavours with blues, soul, swing and deep grooves along the way. (Tickets £15)

The Late Night Jazz Jam, hosted by Beverley Beirne from 11pm until 1am on Saturday at The Black Hat, Ilkley, will conclude the Saturday. Mark said: "This is your chance to play, with professional musicians, in public or just come and enjoy the party atmosphere of our jam session at The Black Hat. "Those wanting to play or sing contact ilkleyjazz@gmail.com, but don’t be shy, this will be a really fun night!"

On Sunday, August 21 there will be a masterclass with Collins and Allen at the Black Hat at 10am, followed by a Jazz Brunch with The Matt Holborn Quartet who are one of London's premier gypsy jazz style bands. Fronted by violinist Matt Holborn, playing hard hitting swing in the style of Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt, this is a free event in The Black Hat, Ilkley. Mark added: "This is the final band of the festival so come along and celebrate with us listening to this incredible band."

In the lead up to the festival Nicola Farnon will be performing at Monkmans Restaurant on Tuesday, August 16 at 7.30pm. Nicola is supported by pianist Andy Chorleton. Tickets are available direct from Monkmans and include a three course meal (£32.50). On Thursday, August 18 there is a free performance at The Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley. The Firebird Quartet will be playing contemporary jazz, funky grooves and their own modern take on standards from 7.30pm.

Mark said: "The jazz workshop, song writing master class are free events but have limited places so please book in advance by emailing ilkleyjazz@gmail.com. Please also e-mail us if you would like to play or sing at the late night jam, don’t be shy! The jam is also a free event, for both players and audience."