(Preview by Russell)
The northeast of England is fortunate in having several first-class jazz festivals during the year; Chester le Street, Gateshead, Darlington, Durham, Ushaw, Newcastle, Whitley Bay and at least one other, as yet, unannounced event in the autumn. This week it’s the turn of Darlington to take centre stage. Festival organisers proudly proclaim: Bringing Jazz to the Town Centre. And that is exactly what they do at this friendliest of jazz festivals.
The 2018 Darlington Jazz Festival is in its eighth year, growing at a sustainable rate year on year. The big names are in town but it is the local aspect that makes the Darlington event what it is. As important as established performers are in attracting people to Darlington, the promotion of local, talented musicians is central to the festival’s ethos or raison d’etre, call it what you will. Arriving at any one of the festival’s numerous town centre venues you will, likely as not, be greeted by young, smiling volunteers. And what’s more, there is every chance that you’ll see these young faces again somewhere in town performing at the festival!