Sunday’s remarkable launch event in a large marquee on the Brecon Showground saw  brilliant weather and three amazing bands, and finished with everyone dancing and jiving as the sun went down.

It was a perfect way to celebrate and look forward to the classic Jazz Festival weekend to come, 12-14 August. Our big thanks to everyone who helped and took part, from people who worked hard to provide food & drinks all day, the tech team, jazz volunteers, musicians, Show committee - and of course an appreciative crowd!  

This Friday sees the official of the 39th Festival at St Mary’s Church, by Councillor David Meredith, Mayor of Brecon, at 2pm.

Business support

This is followed by three hours of public jazz concerts and world music, created by the jazz club with the fantastic support of Specsavers Brecon.

“This support means that we can make them all free to everyone, to dip in and enjoy - and in association with the team at St Marys Church and Tower Cafe which will be open with beverages and snacks throughout, and you can sit in the cafe area or near the stage,” said a spokesman for the festival organisers.

“If it’s Friday, just come along and relax with the festival sounds at St Marys. We’ve put together some of the best of jazz.”  

The main point of contact for the festival is the Guildhall Foyer: and the team has been working hard all through the year to plan these Festival Jazz days in Brecon - look our for the Volunteer ‘Pink Jacket’ heroes who will offer help and assistance. Visit the Guildhall foyer for BJF’22 main festival tickets and info. 

The Bulwark and Bethel Square

Over the three days of the festival, there will be music in the streets - the Bulwark will be alive with people enjoying a day out in this special town of music, and there will be musicians playing outdoors and bands performing in various spots around the town.

“We’re continuing with the ‘Busking’ programme initiated so successfully last year by Brecon Town Council - please enjoy and give generously! Big thanks to Jazz team member, musician Jane Williams, for all her creative work in bringing this together. Programmes will be posted on website and available at the Guildhall Desk,” said a spokesman.

A special Bethel Square music programme over three days has been created by the Jazz Team in association with IGP/Bethel Square Management and in association with planning team member Paul Downs of the Dutchess Cafe.

Paul has been a leading voice in bringing the Festival to the Square. The Bethel Square listings will be available from the Foyer and on posters in the Square. Big thanks to IGP for supporting this exciting new initiative.

Frazz Parade

On Saturday afternoon around after 2.30pm - don’t miss this year’s stupendous Carnival ‘FRAZZ’ Parade - with a marching band and incredible costumes, colour and displays.

The parade begins at Brecon Cathedral and moves through the town centre and on to Theatr/canal basin. 

Don’t forget to take in the Jazz Wall at y Gaer over the weekend - and visit the Portraits of Jazz exhibition at Northhouse Brecon.

Several deals and individual concerts are now sold out, but there are many venues and much to see and hear. so please support your Jazz Festival - the musicians have had a difficult two years, as have audiences and venues. Let’s make our theme of ‘This Festival Life’ one to really remember and with memories and experiences to help us as a community through the months ahead.

Come prepared with filled and refillable water bottles, hats, parasols, sun cream and comfy shoes - there may be very hot weather over the weekend

Don’t miss tonight’s special event with a Jazz Duo at Found Gallery from 6pm, with Rod Paton (keys) & Nick Sorensen (tenor sax)