ILKLEY Jazz Festival is back this year with another incredible line-up of jazz stars from August 14 to 18 when top regional and national acts will be appearing at 30 events across 11 venues in Ilkley.

The first headline act at the Winter Gardens, is multi-award winning jazz singer Liane Carroll, considered to be one of the UK’s finest, who will be performing on Friday 16th. With her phenomenal voice and exceptional piano playing, expect both a heart-warming and at times humorous performance. An exceptional song interpreter, Liane is a regular at Ronnie Scott’s and clubs and festivals throughout the UK and Europe. (Support from The Alec Robinson Trio at 6.30pm).

The Saturday sees some of the best UK musicians travelling from Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds and London to perform in Ilkley: Jazz Main - a sax led quartet playing at 2.30pm; The Sounds of 59 - a celebration of the music of Mingus – Ah UM, Miles – Kind of Blue, Brubeck Time out and Coltrane; Giant Steps will be playing from 4pm till 5pm. At 6.30pm Zoe Gilby will be performing Pannonica - lyric interpretations of the pianist and composer Thelonious Monks music inspired by the Carmen Mcrae album ‘Carmen sings Monk,’ followed by Headliner John Donaldson’s ‘Hexagonal’ - a high energy sextet with African and Jazz influences, featuring an all star cast of musicians. Since the bands inception and critically acclaimed album, this phenomenally talented group have been thrilling club and festival audiences with their skill and virtuosity.

There are also a plethora of events at various local hostelries. This year There is an artist residency for Rod Mason at one of our regular venues, Monkman’s, the Ilkley favourite will be performing three different shows on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening whilst you dine on amazing food. There are two events being held at a new venue to the festival, the Dalesway Hotel, The Big Easy will be playing their distinctive Swing Dance Jazz at 6pm on 15th August and the masterclass will be held there on the Sunday at 10 am. The Gin Lounge will be playing host to the Washboard Resonators, The Ticket Office has two Latin acts on the Saturday and the Sunday, The Black Hat has three performances and a jam session, there is also a performance and Jam session at the Friends of Ham and performances at Martinez and Quinta who have jazz and a three course meal for £23.

As ever there will be many free events both inside and out, with Back Chat Brass returning on Friday at 4pm outside the Station and The Jazz Picnic at the bandstand on Sunday 18th with The Dales Jam, supported by Chevin Jazz.

Tickets from The Winter Gardens and The Kings Hall Box Office and online at https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on. Visit http://ilkleyjazzfest.blogspot.com/ for full listings.