A SERIES of generous grants from local and international organisations will ensure that Pershore Jazz Festival will go ahead as usual this year.

The grants came from Pershore Town Council, Wychavon District Council, Arts Council England and a £1,630 donation came from The Foundation for Sport and the Arts.

These were awarded to the festival committee made up of local residents, including a retired publicity manager and a professional musician.

The money has mainly been spent on paying the performing bands fees but also on securing venues to host them.

Peter Farrall, a member of the committee, said: "All the organisations that have chipped in to help out have been so helpful and generous. We're very lucky to have this sort of support, without which the festival could not take place."

The event is taking place from September 1-4 at many locations throughout Pershore. It will offer performances of various jazz styles and this year's theme is A Lifetime in Jazz.

This will be the fourth annual jazz Festival in Pershore and promises to be bigger and better than in previous years. The community festival will try to have something for everyone and provide visitors with the opportunity to see some of the biggest names on the British jazz scene. In keeping with a community festival, some of the events will be free to attend, but some will charge a small fee for admission.

The event kicks off on Thursday September 1 at Number 8 in Pershore with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra performing in the auditorium. Then on Friday evening there are further performances at Number 8 and at The Plough.

That sets the scene for a weekend full of music, beginning with a street parade through the town centre on Saturday morning.

The event will come to a close with two separate performances. Visitors will have the option of seeing Tina Law perform at Whistlers restaurant or the Alan Gresty-Brian White Ragtimers at Number 8.

Peter added: "Everything is now more or less in place with all the bands and venues booked. It really will be a great four days."