This year's jazz festival at the Designer Outlet Village in Rodbourne was a larger window of opportunity than ever for local talent.

Teacher Gary Bamford played some of his original music, giving him a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

There was also practical help on hand for people wanting to make a start in the jazz industry. International award-winning singer Tina May hosted a workshop at the McArthurGlen designer outlet shopping village.

In addition to giving Swindon artistes - and artists - a platform to project themselves, Swindon Arts has helped foreign hopefuls, too.

French arts student Derek Boixiere, from Dinan in Brittany, came to the jazz festival as a stepping-stone to music management.

"I chose Swindon's festival because it has the potential to grow and develop," he said.

The Swindon festival has always set out to show that jazz is for everyone.

"Jazz is sometimes seen as being a bit difficult or complicated, or even something that you have to be a musical expert to listen to, but that's not true," said Rosa Matheson. "It really is for everyone."