It’s been 2 years since the new organising team volunteered to take over Lyme’s long running Jazz Festival and the date for their second offering is approaching fast:

FRIDAY, MAY 31st – SUNDAY, JUNE 2ND 2013

ORGANISERS of this year’s jazz festival have announced top headliners that are set to attract crowds of visitors to Lyme Regis.

The event has this year been named the Jazz, Blues & Real Ale Weekend and will take place from Friday, May 31st to Sunday, June 2nd, with all acts appearing at the Marine Theatre.

Geno Washington, who last came to the Marine as part of the Big Beat era in the 1960s, will appear on the Saturday night with the Yo-Yos, with tickets costing £15. Ginger Baker will close the weekend on the Sunday night with his Jazz Confusion alongside Josh Arcoleo on tenor sax, Alec Dankworth on bass and Abass Dodoo on percussion. Tickets cost £18.

The festival will be opened by the Mayor of Lyme Regis at Cobb Gate, 4pm on Friday, May 31st before musical entertainment kicks off at the theatre with Gerry Brown & The Mission Hall Band in the evening.

On Saturday, events will start with the popular annual Umbrella Parade at 11am. All are invited to enter their decorated umbrellas and dance through the town, from the Regent Cinema in Broad Street, to outside Jane’s Cafe on Marine Parade. Prizes will be up for grabs for the best entries.

Music from the Arcadia Jazz Band will follow the procession in the Marine Parade shelters.

Entertainment will continue in the theatre on Saturday afternoon, along with a selection of locally brewed real ales. Julie Dunn, Neil Maya and Louise Parker will all be performing before the headline act.

Blues fans will enjoy Sunday afternoon, with Stompin’ Dave’s Jazz & Blues Guitar Concert, featuring Harry Skinner and Dave Saunders, Dave Marchant and Stompin’ Dave Allen.

Tickets for individual acts and a weekend pass for £50 are available now online at www.wegottickets.com or at Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre - phone 01297 442138.

WHAT TO DO NOW:

1. Put the dates in your diary

2. Check out the bands and beer

3. Book your accommodation – www.visitlyme.co.uk

4. Book your tickets, telephone Lyme’s Tourist Information Centre on 01297 442138 or visit www.wegottickets.com

5. Contact your friends and bring them with you to enjoy a weekend of great music, tasty beer, terrific food, and gorgeous scenery in Lyme Regis.