THIS year’s Jazz by the Sea festival (June 24 to July 7) is set to be bigger than ever before with two whole weeks of live music.

Sponsors and supporters of the event, which is now in its fourth year, gathered at the official launch at Koh Lounge in Bournemouth yesterday with music by renowned local jazz duo, Zoe Schwarz and Rob Koral.

Attracting world class jazz musicians to Dorset, this year’s festival kicks off on June 24 with a jazz cruise around Poole Harbour, aboard the recently-restored 1920’s classic passenger boat, The Dorset Queen.

Bournemouth Echo:

One the same day, Jazz by the Sea will also swing by the Metropole Street market in Bournemouth with performances from Scared of Jazz, Joe Limburn and Mambossa.

Festival director Gerry Clarke said: “We are excited that this is the fourth year of our jazz festival and to establish it as a major tourist event on the calendar. Although we were turned down by the Arts Council for funding this year, thanks to support from Coastal BID, we can continue to promote more events.

Bournemouth Echo:

“We are also delighted that a number of new venues have come forward to work with us to host the new live jazz events. It’s a real credit to our local business people who are helping to develop this festival for the benefit of local residents and tourists.”

Venues involved in this year’s event include: Chaplin’s Bar, Brewhouse & Kitchen (Poole Hill), Blue Boar Poole, St Peter’s Church Bournemouth, The Cosy Club, Vesuvio, Miramar Hotel, Urban Reef, Cottonwood Hotel East Cliff, The Cumberland Hotel & Koh Lounge.

Other new highlights for 2018 include a jazz film night and supper, with Koh Lounge hosting the acclaimed American jazz film Whiplash on Wednesday, July 4.

Bournemouth Echo:

Former town mayor, Cllr Chris Mayne, a keen supporter of the event said: “There are so many different styles of jazz and there have been so many great performers over the years jazz.

“Jazz has an enduring appeal as you can incorporate swing, and maybe a bit of blues and trad jazz so generally speaking there is something for everyone out there in some form of jazz.”

For all the latest news and information, visit jazzbytheseafestival.co.uk.