BUILDING on the success of 2001, Pershore will once again be the venue for a celebration of jazz, poetry, song and dance on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 8-10

A dedicated committee headed up by local residents Peter Farrall, Roy and Janet Daniels and supported by musicians Graham Smith, Jon Stone, Dave Skinner and Dick Chapman, have successfully raised the necessary funding and sponsorship.

"This festival is for the local community and visitors to the Vale and admission to all events will be free," said Mr Chapman.

The opening event on Friday, August 8, (7.30pm) will be an evening of jazz and poetry at Wychavon Civic Centre when Jennie Kitching of Redditch and David Fine from Derbyshire will present an evening of original poetry with jazz settings performed by Colloquy directed by Dick Chapman.

The Festival Marching Band will be out and about in town from 10.30am on Saturday, August 9, leading to a lunchtime session at The Plough (12.30pm) with the Jon Stone Quartet. The evening attraction will be in the flower marquee at The Angel Inn, featuring saxophonist Andy Hamilton with the Dutch Lewis Quintet, starting at 8pm.

Sunday will offer a wide choice of styles and activities. Two singers of international repute will be appearing. Denise Lawrence will be singing with local award-winning band The Antique Six plus pianist Tony Lawrence in the flower show marquee from noon, while Birmingham's own Tina Law will entertain with the Garry Allcock Quartet at The Plough from 12.30pm.

Musicians are all invited to join the organised jam session at the flower marquee from 3.15pm with a five-piece line-up hosted by Graham Smith with Jon Stone, Dave Skinner, Andy Robins and Tony Lawrence. Young musicians are invited to a jazz workshop at Abbey Park Middle School (3.15pm), sponsored by Vale Pianos and will be hosted by experienced teachers and jazz musicians Dick and Jackie Chapman. Alongside this event, also at Abbey Park Middle School (3pm) will be a jazz dance workshop for all ages run by Dance at 8.

The festival will close with a concert by The Allen Francis Big Band and Singers in the Marquee (8pm) at which Dance at 8 will present an exhibition of jazz dance.

Sponsors are The Angel Inn, Awards for All, Pershore Chamber of Trade, Vale Pianos, Worcestershire County Council, Wychavon District Council, PSP Safety Products (Fire Equipment) and Elmley Small Grants.