HSBC Brecon Jazz headliners named

The headliners for the 2008 HSBC Brecon Jazz Festival have been announced as the mid Wales market town celebrates the event's silver anniversary from August 7 to 10.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra return for the opening night on Thursday 7th August.

On Friday 8th there'll be debut Brecon appearances by Cerys Matthews and Joan Armatrading, while legendary saxophonist Joe Temperley leads the 25th Anniversary Brecon All Stars with special guest Martin Taylor.

Other Friday night highlights include Mark Murphy's first ever gig in Wales, a Brecon debut for rising UK stars the Neil Cowley Trio, and Latin newcomers La Trova Oriente.

Saturday's attractions include Lee Konitz, EST, Roberta Gambarini, and Courtney Pine's tribute to Sidney Bechet.

On Sunday the festival closes with Maceo Parker, Abram Wilson, Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth.

See www.breconjazz.co.uk for further details and booking information or call the box office on 0870 990 1299.

More star names will be announced in June and July along with details of the Stroller programme.

Festival Director Jim Smith said, "This is a very important and exciting year for the festival and Brecon town.

"25 years is an incredible milestone and much thanks is due to the many people who have worked so hard over the years.

"We will be staging around 100 events over the course of the 4 days of the festival and I am delighted that so many people locally, across Wales and the UK, and indeed internationally, have come together to make this unique event one which we're sure will be remembered for many years hence".

Last October HSBC Brecon Jazz was named Best Major Event In Wales at the Welsh Tourism Awards.