Brecon Jazz Festival returned last weekend with a fresh team at the helm, bringing a packed schedule that drew jazz fans from across the region.

The festival transformed Brecon’s streets and venues into a lively jazz hub, with performances across the Market Hall, Guildhall, The Muse, and Christ College Brecon, alongside outdoor stages throughout the town.

Friday’s lineup included Hejira, Chube, Saskia Laroo Band, Metsaema, and Dionne Bennett, with Cleveland Watkiss headlining the Market Hall in a powerful tribute to Jamaica’s musical heritage through his ‘Great Jamaican Songbook.’

Saturday featured performances from Sultan Stevenson, Double Double, Remi Harris, Ursula + Sylvie, Talulah, and the Geoff Eales Trio. Ruby Turner closed the night at the Market Hall, captivating audiences with her signature blend of soul, gospel, and R&B.

On Sunday, the festival showcased Soweto Kinch, Alex Clarke + Emily Masser, Ashley John Long, Jules Martin, and a return set from Saskia Laroo Band. The event culminated with Jazz Sabbath, known for their jazz reinterpretations of Black Sabbath classics, closing the Market Hall stage in spectacular style.

The Fringe Festival came to life in venues such as The Found Gallery, The Wellington Hotel, The Clarence Inn, The Foundry, The Royal Welsh Museum, Hop in Beer and Gin House, and Brecon Tap - alongside a jam-packed busking programme which kept everyone entertained across the town.

The festival also featured a brand-new Food Zone, serving an incredible array of dishes from morning till late.

Food traders from across South and Mid Wales joined the line-up, with priority given to businesses from Brecon and nearby areas.

Festivalgoers enjoyed Malaysian and South East Asian curries, Indian street food, jacket potatoes, cheesy fries, Greek gyros, halloumi, sweet crepes, ice cream, pizza, smash burgers, Caribbean street food, and Mexican-inspired burritos, nachos and rice bowls.