BIRMINGHAM JAZZES IT UP

Once a year jazz fans from throughout Europe flock to Birmingham for the annual jazz party. With more jazz per square metre than New Orleans Birmingham becomes a Mecca for jazz lovers world-wide.

However, the real stars of the show are the people of Birmingham who come out in their thousands to enjoy top quality jazz in the July sunshine. Drinkers on Brindley Place, kids at school, and shoppers on the High Street, are all treated to the music that for the rest of year is confined to smoky jazz clubs.

Birmingham businesses rub their hands when the jazz festival comes to town. With thousands of visitors pouring into the city, hotels are full with jazz fans from the UK and overseas attracted by rates sometimes slashed by up to 60%. Pubs have actually run out of beer when they play host to the bands.

Acts so far confirmed this year include Chris Barber, The Lower Broad Street Philharmonic, Terence Blanchard Sextet, Pete & Conte Candoli and Drummin