Elkie dazzles in park's jazz humdinger

11:24am Tuesday 5th September 2006

MUSIC lovers descended on a Gwent town in their thousands to see some of the top names in jazz perform.

And organisers of the seventh Pontypool Jazz in The Park festival say they hit the winning formula this year, despite crowds being down because of the wet weather.

Around 5,000 people came to the park compared to nearly double that last year but, as Torfaen Jazz Society's Gary Stone explained, a similar number to last year bought passes.

"With the good weather you get so many people coming who don't actually pay to watch the music, they just relax in the park," he said.

"All three marquees were full for the entire weekend and headline acts Elkie Brooks with Humphrey Lyttleton, Georgie Fame, and Jacqui Dankworth were completely sold out."

Torfaen Jazz Society organised the music side of the festival and Friday night kicked off in style with globetrotting band The Jive Aces, who had audiences dancing in the aisles.

Mr Stone added: "The rains came on Saturday but it didn't stop the jazzers turning up and adding even more colour to the festival, scurrying from venue to venue with colourful umbrellas and waterproofs."

Elkie Brooks singing with The Humphrey Lyttleton Band and The Big Chris Barber Band drew standing ovations, as did festival closers Jacqui Dankworth and sixties icon Georgie Fame on Sunday.

Mr Stone added: "With 34 acts it's hard to single out anyone - audiences certainly went away with a smile on their faces."

Councillor Neil Lewis, Torfaen council's executive member for regeneration, said the festival was becoming one of the best of its kind in the UK.

"For its sheer professionalism and for the quality of the acts we are now attracting, it is definitely getting a name for itself," he said.

"It was certainly the best yet in terms of organisation and music."