A UNIQUE event takes place at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre on Saturday, when Midday 2 Round Midnight fills every corner of the venue with 12 hours of non-stop jazz.

Part of the 19th HMV Birmingham International Jazz Festival, the occasion features a diverse mix of top jazz artistes, with something for everyone.

The event kicks off at noon in the Theatre's Gerswins Cafe Bar with Protect The Beat, an exciting new funky five-piece, who first made an impact at last year's Festival, followed by The Jacqui Dankworth Quartet and Tom Hill's Birmingham-based jazz, funk and fusion band The Straitjackets. Guitar duo Misha Nikolic & Iain Scott complete the Gerswins Cafe Bar line-up until 10pm.

Meanwhile, in the Theatre's Bridge Bar, starting at 12.45pm, Brazilian/UK quartet As Meninas are followed by UK funk revival band The New Mastersounds and, at 6.30pm, The Branco Stoysin Trio.

Singer songwriter Chris McCormick plays in the Theatre's Salberg Suite at 5.30pm, followed by the amazingly talented 17-year-old pianist Tim Webber, lauded as the new Jools Holland.

Rounding off the gig will be The James Taylor Quartet, playing in the main auditorium from 10.30pm-midnight.

Firmly established at the forefront of Britain's jazz scene, James has collaborated with the likes of U2, Tina Turner, Manic Street Preachers, The Pogues and Tom Jones and has just released his 19th album, The Oscilator.

Tickets for the event cost £20 for all day when you can come and go as you please, or £15 for after 9pm from 0870 607 7533.