How It Started - Brief History of Jazz in Pershore

The Festival started with a small group of local people getting together determined to bring Pershore onto the Jazz circuit. Their idea then was - and still is - to bring quality rather than quantity to the scene and so far they seem to have done just that. At the beginning it was hoped to produce a weekend of jazz music that was free to all and the foundations were laid with the help of generous grants and bucket collections. This was achieved until 2006 ’s festival when, for the first time, a charge had to be made for some of the concerts. The grants had run out and Pershore Jazz Festival had been so successful that it was encouraged to continue without outside funding. No longer could they have the picnic-style marquee in the grounds of the Angel Inn. Instead the main venue was switched to the award-winning Number 8 in the centre of town. Last year in a further expansion of the Festival we moved to the Pershore College Campus, and after the postive reaction from all those that attended we are there again this year.

A Review of the 2007 Festival

The sixth annual Pershore Jazz Festival has been hailed a success, the change of venue to the Pershore College which had both venues within a couple of minutes walk from each other, helped to create a festival atmosphere. Despite warnings that the road was closed, following the bad flooding the area had experienced in July, everyone eventually found us, even if some were a little ‘frazzled’ when they first arrived. We were lucky with the weather and people were able to sit outside and still enjoy the music. Everyone was very impressed and we are hoping that the ‘word of mouth’ grapevine will ensure even more people will want to come next year.

Highlights of the festival were the rising young, West Country, flute/clarinet/alto star Amy Roberts, who despite being ‘1 degree under’ with a sore throat, wowed the audience and received a standing ovation. ‘Hot Club’ trio Fret and Fiddle, who played the final session in the Festival Bar venue also received a tumultuous reception and had quite a heavy run on their CDs when they’d finished. Hot Banana, a very entertaining jump/jive band with lots of humour got everybody’s feet tapping and were another of our most popular bands. The Heart of England Jazz Band closed the festival for us on Sunday evening with their usual blend of upbeat Trad Jazz and humour which ensured everyone went away with a smile on their faces.

A little of the feedback we received

“I just want to thank all those involved in organising and running the Pershore Jazz Festival. It was such a well organised event making it possible for artists to do their ‘thing'! But you must be exhausted! So here's a little poem ..(what I wrote) for you to unwind with and hopefully enjoy.” Georgie ‘T’

Jazzing at the 'Shore

The trumpets were blowing.
The cider was flowing.
The music was filling the air.
The sun it was shining.
What brilliant timing.
At last summer songs we could share.
People were dancing.
Some were romancing.
Whilst others enjoyed from their seats.
Crotchets and minims.
Various rhythms.
Music with soul and with beats.
So here's to the best
Of Pershore Jazz Fest.
Such talent and musical thrill.
And to the Festival runners
Who stood at the gunners
Making sure this event was SO BRILL.

Ps. If anyone can come up with a tune for this poem. let me know! Georgie

“Congratulations!! What a wonderful weekend of Jazz at Pershore that you, and all of your committee, have just laid on for all of us. Thank everyone, including all college staff, on our behalf. Looking forward to next years' festival!

The camping area was very convenient, with a lovely view over yonder hills…….” Les & Irene

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