Brecon Jazz to go ahead in 2009

The Mayor of Brecon has confirmed that the town will stage a jazz festival in 2009 following concerns that a "gap year" would badly damage the town's economy and the long term future of the event.

Following the collapse of the festival's organising company at the turn of the year, the Arts Council of Wales said in their view it would be "too risky" to stage an event this year, and had invited two groups to submit plans for a festival in 2010.

This prompted concern from the mayor Martin Weale and others who believed that Brecon couldn't afford not to stage an event worth £4m to the local economy.

He says a decision to go ahead with a smaller festival in 2009 was taken following a meeting he held on Monday with representatives of Celtic Spirit, Theatr Brycheiniog and Porthcawl Jazz Festival.

They've agreed to work together to stage a jazz festival in Brecon town centre from 7 to 9 August, booking Theatr Brycheiniog, the Guildhall and the Market Hall for the event.

The Mayor says he's had indications that subject to normal procedure, Powys County Council would be willing to provide financial support for the festival.

Further updates will be available on the Brecon Jazz website at www.breconjazz.co.uk

See also the BBC News website for more information.