CHELTENHAM is gearing up for its swingiest weekend of the year as the town's big jazz festival kicks off.

Launched yesterday (Wednesday), the sixth international event got off to a cracking start with the appearance of Bill Wyman & the Rhythm Kings, complete with guitarist Albert Lee and vocals from Georgie Fame. The festival comes to a climax on Monday with a concert featuring Ray Brown's Trio and special guests Regina Carter, Kevin Mahogany and Nicholas.

In between there's a strong line-up of names such as Joanna MacGregor, Andy Sheppard, the Bob Berg Quartet, Stacey Kent and the Billy Jenkins Blues Band.

In fact, there are more than 30 concerts across the festival which this year includes a lot of music from Africa and performances by the South African Gospel Singers, Manu Dibango and the Community Gospel Choir and the Master Drummers of Africa.

A strong line-up of British artists includes Tim Garland, Jim Mullen, Iain Ballamy and the Don Weller Big Band on Saturday.

Taking in a club night theme on Sunday are performances from New Zealand's Mark De Clive-Lowe, Snowboy and the Latin Section and the Jazz Co Tech Dancers.

Concert venues are split between the town hall, the Everyman Theatre and Cheltenham College.

Ticket demand has been high, but it's well worth checking availability at the town hall box office on 01242 227979. Further details are also available on www.cheltenhamfestival.co.uk.