THE eighth season of the Aggborough Jazz programme has arrived in Kidderminster and features an exciting mix of old favourites and new bands.

The autumn season kicked off last week with a concert by the Heart of England Jazz Band, which will be followed on Monday by Richard Leach's Seven Stars of Jazz's debut performance at Kidderminster Harriers' Aggborough Stadium.

Next month will witness the return of the longest running Midland jazz band, Eagle Jazz Band, which has played to Aggborough audiences every year since the programme began in 1997, and another premiere at the venue by Richard Bailey's All Stars.

Aggborough Jazz promoter, Alan Biggs, said: "We've got quite a mix in this programme because we've got two new ones - Richard Leach's Seven Stars of Jazz and Richard Bailey's All Stars - and five old ones.

"The Zenith Hot Stompers are Midlands-based and very popular and Pete Allen's jazz band is a fully professional band which plays all over the country and the Antique Six will be finishing the programme in December."

He added he believed the club - which has grown in popularity over recent years - was now the longest running jazz club in Kidderminster.

"We're getting an average of 50 people at each concert, whereas before we were struggling in the 30s," he said.

"We've got a regular clientele now that we're very pleased with and are hoping to build it up even more this season."

He added: "We have survived on a well tried formula of good bands, excellent facilities in the Aggborough Suite, traditional beers and good food at reasonable prices.

"Our regular following enables us to occasionally bring in bands from further afield so our supporters can hear the best of music without the need to travel far ... everyone is looking forward to another season of solid traditional jazz."

Doors open at the twice-monthly Monday night performances at 7pm, while sessions start at 8.30pm. Food and real ales are available.

Full details on the programme can be obtained by contacting Mr Biggs on 07790 012767.