Music fans snap up tickets for the second Kelsall Jazz Festival at the Morris Dancer pub

Jul 30 2009 by Ben Coulbeck, Flintshire Chronicle

TICKETS are being snapped up for the second Kelsall Jazz Festival which takes place next weekend (August 7-9).

After the huge success of last year’s event, the music extravaganza will be once again hosted by the Morris Dancer pub, on Chester Road.

Five superb bands are on show during the three-day event, which has this year been given a New Orleans theme and a parade is planned to go through the village.

Acts taking part will include Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz, Original Panama Jazz Band, Savannah Jazz Band, Harlem Hot Stompers and the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra.

Again this year, festival goers will be given the opportunity to camp overnight in the Morris Dancer’s grounds either under canvas or in caravans.

There will also be food and drink served throughout the festival and competitions with prizes are also planned.

Organiser Ruth Jones said: “There will be a competition for the best-decorated umbrella for adults and children who take part in the parade.

“In New Orleans, it is traditional for a funeral procession to be followed by a jazz band and mourners to carry brightly-coloured umbrellas in celebration of their life rather than sadness.

“People can expect a New Orleans-styled festival of jazz music attended by jazz lovers from all over the country and lots of food and fun.

“Tickets are selling quickly with plenty taking up the chance to camp overnight.”

Morris Dancer opening times will not change during the festival but the first performance, on Friday, will be from 8pm-11.30pm. On Saturday, bands will play between 2pm-6pm and 8pm-11.30pm. And Sunday sees bands playing between 2pm-5.30pm and 6.30pm-10pm.

Tickets are priced £40 (weekend and camping), £30 adults or £15 children (weekend), £10 or £5 children (per day). They can be booked over the phone on 01829 751291.