FUN and music galore — this year’s Bude Jazz Festival exceeded all expectations, again providing a weekend of wonderful jazz music, entertainment and fun for all the community.

Held from Tuesday, August 28 to Friday, August 31 this year, Bude Jazz Festival was in its 31st year for 2018, and the performances on offer were more varied than ever, playing in venues across Bude, from the Parkhouse Centre, Falcon Hotel, Brendon Arms and Globe Hotel to the Carriers Inn and BED Nightclub.

On Friday morning, young ‘jazzers’ were given the opportunity to partake in an improvisation class with professional jazz player Jeremy Huggett at Bude Central Methodist Church from 10am until 12pm.

Organiser Peter Daniel said the festival saw a number of new bands across the week, with a wonderful atmosphere all round.

“Bude’s 31st jazz festival was a success with a good atmosphere and a number of new bands that went down well. We were particularly pleased to involve younger musicians.

“We were blessed with good weather, not only for the street and brolly parade, but also for the free bandstand concerts, which encouraged large numbers to come and listen and dance. The first time young jazzers workshop was successful with a number of children playing a selection of instruments.”

Peter added: “Our thanks to the venues for hosting the concerts and it was good that local businesses could enjoy the prolonged season.”

With hopes to run the festival again next year, organisers would like to hear from potential sponsors for 2019.

To find out more, visit www.jazzfestivalbude.co.uk