Brecon Jazz Festival

...2001 was going to the Brecon Jazz Festival whilst I was working at a summer camp nearby.

The Brecon Jazz festival is renowned all over Europe and attracts big names such as Van Morrison and the Bootleg Beatles. There are loads of indoor concerts for which you need tickets, which can be expensive and sell out quickly. The town is transformed for the long weekend, all traffic is banned from the city centre and loads of marquees are ...
...and beer amongst other things. Brecon also has a number of chip shops and LOADS of pubs so you will not go hungry or thirsty (or sober, for that matter!).

Many people take their own drink and drink in the street as it is cheaper and you can watch the free bands play. That is what I did!

Compared to an ordinary weekend in the market town of Brecon, it is crowded, but compared to London in the rush hour, it is *not*. Although ... more

One of my best memories of summer 2001 was going to the Brecon Jazz Festival whilst I was working at a summer camp nearby.

The Brecon Jazz festival is renowned all over Europe and attracts big names such as Van Morrison and the Bootleg Beatles. There are loads of indoor concerts for which you need tickets, which can be expensive and sell out quickly. The town is transformed for the long weekend, all traffic is banned from the city centre and loads of marquees are put up.

As well as the paying events, there is loads going on for the rest of us who want to join in the fun (but are either skint or not willing to pay to listen to jazz).

In George Square there is a stage where bands play for free. The night I went there was a brass band (similar to Blues Brothers music). They were brilliant and really interesting to watch with all the different instruments. There was a great atmosphere, everyone was dancing (despite the drizzle).

Before I went to this festival, I thought it would be boring - old people's music, but when I got there I realised how uplifting jazz music is. I loved watching the big bands playing, it is good entertainment watching the saxaphones and the trumpets.

There are also loads of stalls set up selling all sorts of arts and crafts type things. I got a cow print cushion cover and purse (I LOVE cow print! I must find some for my profile page!) The streets are packed and it feels as though everyone from Wales is there (but don't let that put you off! Joke).

There are also food and drink stalls set up in the streets where you can buy burgers and beer amongst other things. Brecon also has a number of chip shops and LOADS of pubs so you will not go hungry or thirsty (or sober, for that matter!).

Many people take their own drink and drink in the street as it is cheaper and you can watch the free bands play. That is what I did!

Compared to an ordinary weekend in the market town of Brecon, it is crowded, but compared to London in the rush hour, it is *not*. Although there are many people, you never feel crushed and clasutrophobic (good for me as I can't stand crowds).

For more information on the 2002 festival, go to their website which is www.breconjazz.co.uk And enjoy yourself if you go! Dance in the street and get merry!

Dates for the 2002 festival are August the 9th, 10th and 11th. So if you want to go, get your ticket soon and book accommodation before it all goes!

I do not think I will go to the festival again unless I happen to be in the area as it is quite a way to go. But if you are a jazz fan or live fairly nearby, then go along. I am sure you will enjoy it.  

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