Brecon Jazz 2007 - official response

Organisers of the 24th HSBC Brecon Jazz festival have acclaimed it as one of the finest in the event's history as thousands of visitors converged on the mid Wales town to enjoy more than eighty concerts.

Festival Director Jim Smith said: "Attendances at concerts and Stroller events was high throughout, and our first Artist-in-Residence Joe Lovano was a major success, and we will certainly look to do that again next year.

"Joe was a great personality to have around throughout the weekend, and he gave his time generously to help and inspire young Welsh musicians.

"There were so many other stand-out concerts, including Jessica playing in the UK for the first time in 10 years, Curtis Stigers, Jazz Jamaica – so many. There was a storming set by Jools Holland and Lulu, and because the festival has such a special place in Jools' heart, we have now asked him to become one of our Patrons.

"And wherever you went there were fond tributes to the great George Melly, whose name will always be linked so closely to Brecon Jazz."

Outgoing Brecon Jazz Chairman Walter Dickie said: "This year has been tremendous, with a first-class musical programme, and much greater local community activity through the Brecon Fringe.

"It was also so welcoming to see the colour and musical entertainment return to the streets of Brecon. The event is as strong as it’s ever been as we approach next year's Silver Jubilee."

Rhodri Glyn Thomas, Welsh Assembly Government Heritage Minister, visited the festival on Sunday: "Brecon Jazz is now one of the best established and most popular festivals in Wales.

"It's an unique festival which attracts excellent performers from around the world. The festival is also a fixture in the Welsh tourist calendar, and has been nominated as one of the finalists in the National Tourism Awards for Wales for Best Major Event.

"I would also like to pay a personal tribute to the contribution Geroge Melly played, not just as an artist, but in putting Brecon Jazz on the map. He was sadly missed this year, and will be in years to come."

Organisers are now making special plans to celebrate the 25th Brecon Jazz next year - keep checking www.breconjazz.co.uk for updates.