KELSALL’S first ever jazz festival gets into full swing this weekend and organisers are promising to be the hosts with the most.

The Morris Dancer pub in Chester Road will open its doors to music-lovers from across the county and the North West for the inaugural festival.

The event will run from Friday, October 3, to Sunday, October 5, and camping facilities are available for those wishing to make a weekend of it.

Organisers are expecting 200- 300 visitors each day, with children welcomed to the daytime sessions.

The event follows in the footsteps of the successful Chester Folk Festival, which is also hosted by the Morris Dancer.

Pub licensee Rachel Jones, who took over the village premises with partner Paul Sweeney in January, is eager to receive local support in what is her first year of pub ownership.

She said: “So far it’s going really well. When we first took over the place in January the pub had a bad reputation and was in a poor condition. But we have refurbished and we’re turning the place around and attracting the locals back who had been driven away.

“We have the Chester Folk Festival here so we have experience in running large events like this and we are encouraging children and families to come back.”

The bands and acts on show are T J Johnson, Blue Magnolia Jaff Orchestra, Wabash, Heart of England, Zenith Hot Stompers, Lune Valley Vintage Jazz Band and Chicago Teddy Bears.

There will also be a bouncy castle, face-painting and activities all day, with food and drinks served all weekend.

Tickets are £30 for the whole weekend (£40 if camping) or £10 per session. Children’s weekend tickets are £20, or £6 per session.

For further details, call the Morris Dancer on 01829 751291.