The weekend May 16^th -18^th, is already attracting some of the biggest names in jazz including Guy Barker and David Newton, despite only being in its third year. Around 10,000 people are expected to attend events over the three day Festival, with most of the concerts being free entry.

Claire Martin and Sir Richard Bennett will perform an intimate cabaret-style concert titled ‘When lights are low’ at Newark Palace Theatre on May 17^th followed on May 18^th by The Big Chris Barber Band, one of Europe’s most successful jazz and blues bands . Brimming with explosive energy, the current holders of the BBC Jazz Album of the Year, The Neil Cowley Trio, will be appearing. The young and talented Victoria Hart returns on the back of her success at last year’s festival, while Gospel singer, Shirley Alexander from the home of jazz, New Orleans, gets the weekend underway with Brian Carrick and his band in a showcase concert that also features the premier of Nathan Bray’s Newark Suite for a full jazz orchestra.

There will also be a one-off concert with violinist, Tim Kliphuis, and acclaimed pianist, David Newton, ‘Celebrating Grappelli’ to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of Stephane Grappelli’s birth.

The Festival will feature 70 performances at 30 venues including pubs, cafes, restaurants, churches and shops. Entry to most events is free of charge, giving visitors the opportunity to try a wide range of jazz music.

There are even special jazz trains running from Nottingham and Lincoln on May 17^th.

Newark Jazz Festival will again run its successful primary school jazz workshop, where local children meet professional musicians, culminating in a noisy and colourful jazz parade through the town on Sunday 18^th May.

Winners of last year’s East Midlands Young Jazz Awards will get their chance to play with top bands and under 25’s from the region are also encouraged to enter the 2008 competition now for the chance to play at the Winner’s Concert at the Festival.

Festival director Paul Sparks said: “The event has attracted so much attention over the past two years that top performers are now approaching us, asking to be involved. Jazz is so varied there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy. Many visitors know little about jazz but love listening to amazing musicians playing live.”

Newark Jazz Festival was formed by local business people to encourage new visitors to the town, boost the local economy and raise Newark’s profile. Every business that took part reported an increase in turnover during the 2007 Festival and many events were fully booked well in advance. Festival co-director, Peter Duncan added: “Newark has a unique blend of restaurants, pubs and independent shops and leisure venues, set in a stunning location. We wanted to give people from outside the immediate vicinity a reason to come and visit, and to refresh the town for those of us living here. The Festival’s success is great for Newark and great for Newark’s businesses.”

This year’s sponsors also include MHI, Larken & Co, NatWest, and Duncan &Toplis.