Jazz gala to be bigger and better this year

The festival is now in its 18th year and runs from July 8 to 10.

Its claim to be international applies not only to its line-up of performers but also to the fact that a growing number of its 6,000 visitors come from overseas.

This year's performers include a blend of old and new; those who have been household names for years and those who are likely to be in future.

The Marlborough festival has a reputation for showcasing up and coming stars and the organisers hope that some like Clare Teal who signed a multi million pound contract with Sony after appearing at Marlborough will still return.

Gwynneth Herbert, who has just signed a £1 million deal with Universal, will be coming back to Marlborough again.

Kyle Eastwood, son of film superstar Clint, will be visiting Marlborough during his first tour of the UK with his jazz-funk band.

Jazz evergreen Chris Barber will be opening the festival and another living jazz legend Acker Bilk has been invited back by popular demand.

The line up also includes Georgie Fame, the Sixties ikon, who has been a favourite at previous appearances at Marlborough and Pee Wee Lewis famed for his collaborations with James Brown and Van Morrison making his first visit.

Gilad Atzman who won the best CD prize in the BBC Jazz Awards will be returning to Marlborough.

Old favourites, without whom the Marlborough Festival would be lacking, will include the Brasshoppers, Sticky Wickett, Fat Cats and the Slaughterhouse Seven.

For those who want to sing along the Mbawula township choir will again be recruiting singers to join in with a big band the unforgettable Township Sisters from Soweto.

Stroller tickets for the whole weekend (excepting Teal, Herbert and a Friday night dance) will cost £46; Friday and Saturday strollers cost £37; Friday night only £17; and Saturday strollers will be £23. All are available on line at the festival website: www.marlboroughjazz.co.uk