Newcastle Jazz & Blues Festival Returns for 19th Year Across August Bank Holiday Weekend

Newcastle-under-Lyme will once again come alive with the sound of live music this August Bank Holiday as the Newcastle Jazz & Blues Festival returns for its 19th year.

Taking place from Friday 28th to Monday 31st August, the much loved annual festival will feature more than 50 live acts performing across multiple venues throughout the town centre, celebrating the very best in jazz, blues, soul, funk and acoustic music.

Organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, the festival has become one of the town's longest-running events, drawing visitors from across Staffordshire and beyond while supporting local venues, hospitality businesses and the wider town centre economy.

Festival goers can enjoy everything from intimate acoustic sets and blues bands to jazz ensembles and energetic live performances, with many gigs free to attend.

Venues including Cappello Lounge, The Boulevard, The Crows Nest, The Clubhouse and The Crossways will host an eclectic mix of live performances, helping to create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the town centre all weekend. The festival also extends beyond the centre, with The Greyhound and Artisan Tap in neighbouring Hartshill, alongside The Shed in May Bank joining this year's programme.

On Saturday 29th August, the festival joins forces with Castle Food & Drink Fest, delivered in collaboration with Independent Street. Spaces on the High Street and Ironmarket will be transformed with artisan market stalls and live entertainment from 6 Towns Radio who will host a programme of outdoor performances creating a full day of food, music and entertainment.

Charl Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said:

"The Jazz & Blues Festival has become a real highlight in Newcastle-under-Lyme's events calendar and we're incredibly proud to be celebrating its 19th year. The festival showcases not only fantastic musicians but also the brilliant venues in Newcastle that .

"Following feedback from our businesses, we're hosting the festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend, allowing us to make the most of additional visitors and Bank Holiday Monday. Partnering with Independent Street and 6 Towns Radio for Castle Food & Drink Fest on the Saturday makes for an even bigger celebration and offers visitors a fantastic reason to spend the day in Newcastle-under-Lyme.”

Chris Wilson, owner of The Crossways, said:

"Jazz & Blues is always one of our favourite weekends of the year. There's such a fantastic atmosphere as people move between venues discovering new artists and enjoying everything the town has to offer. It's a brilliant event for businesses and visitors alike, and one we always look forward to.”

Full line-up details and performance times will be announced ahead of the festival.

For the latest updates, follow @jazzandbluesnewcastle on social media or www.newcastlejazzandblues.com