THE Swindon Arts Jazz Festival the biggest and best yet was a great success. We had all styles of jazz performed by fantastic musicians.

Internationally renowned bands played alongside our own local talent at a variety of venues pubs, the Brunel Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Jazz Cafe Marquee in the Designer Outlet Centre.

The young jazz stars of the future were given the opportunity of being part of the excitement through our Senior Schools Jazz Ensemble Competition and by playing in the festival itself.

The festival was made accessible to all, and hundreds came.

I write to say a big, public thank you to the men of Cerberus Security and to Swindon Services Highways Department.

From day one we had to battle with the wind and rain. Despite valiant efforts by the Cerberus team there were times when the wind and water were winning.

An SOS to the council brought Flying Squad action, not once but twice, and helped save not only the day but all events for the marquee.

ROSA MATHESON

Director of Swindon Arts