(Review by Russell)
The 2019 Keswick Jazz and Blues Festival drew large numbers with several events standing-room-only affairs at venues across the market town. The weather began in typically Lakeland fashion (overcast with the threat of rain) and ended in atypical fashion - two blue sky days with wall-to-wall sunshine.
Concerts from noon 'til late, venues (club, function room, church) all within easy walking distance, food, drink, Main Street jazz sessions, the annual brolly parade and, of course, all of this to a glorious Lakeland backdrop.
The Keswick (Jazz) Buskers were out and about early raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Over the years the band has raised hundreds of pounds and they'll be back next year doing more of the same. Malcolm Hogarth's impromptu sessions popped up on Main Street and his daily jam sessions in the Pack Horse Inn went down a storm.
Keswick likes dogs (there isn't a pub or shop in the town which would ever contemplate denying entry to our four-legged friends) and walkers, with or without a four-legged friend. The many hostelries did good business especially those savvy enough to have a handpull on the bar reserved for the Keswick Brewing Company's Jazz Session beer.
The jazz was consistently good (some of it really, really good!), the organisation was as it should be (casual, professional) and everyone appeared to have a great time. Roll on 2020 (May 7-10).
Russell
1 comment :
Just as Russell says, it was a fabulous jazzy weekend - and jazz loving toon residents can get to Keswick easily, by car, or train to Carlisle, then a scenic bus ride to the Keswick Bus Station. From there, it'll be a short stroll to the B & B or hotel of your choice - there are zillions to choose from.
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