Brecon Jazz Festival

Celebrating its 27th year, the festival mixes some of the world’s finest jazz music with the stunning location of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Expect to see a mix of Great Brits and legendary jazz stars from across the world in 50 concerts over 3 days. The programme features jazz greats, blues legends and new artists - including the international icons Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, Orchestre National de Jazz (France’s National Jazz Orchestra), and the pioneering South African jazz musician, trumpeter Hugh Masekela.

On Friday 6 August, catch Norwegian saxophonist Håkon Kornstad, one of the most celebrated jazz saxophonists around today. BBC Jazz Award-winning 4-piece Jazz-Rock collective Get The Blessing will also be performing.

Legendary Cuban music ensemble and Grammy Award-winners Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club bring their timeless and captivating beats to the festival on Saturday. You’ll also have the chance to sample some great local music as Paula Gardiner, Huw Warren and Simon Thorne of Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama team up with the great French Trumpeter Erik Truffaz and the Malian kora player Sura Keita on a unique collaboration to create a flexible new work, which encompasses the essence of Wales and The World.

Sunday’s festival highlights include 71-year-old Hugh Masekela – South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer and singer whose sound vividly portrays the struggles and sorrows – as well as the passions and joys – of his country.

The concerts will be held in 4 fantastic venues across the picturesque town of Brecon: Theatr Brycheiniog and the Studio; the Market Hall; the Castle Hotel and Brecon Cathedral.

And the great entertainment doesn’t stop at the concerts - there will also be over 50 talks and concerts throughout the 3-day festival, as well as a number of free family events, including a Jazz Carnival parade through the streets of Brecon on Saturday morning.

For more information on the festival, visit the Brecon Jazz Festival website.