MARSDEN was filled with the sound of music over the weekend for the village's 12th jazz festival.

More bands of young people got involved in the colourful and entertaining festival this year.

Eleven youth bands took part in the event, which ran from Friday night until yesterday evening.

Committee member Lynne Newlove said: "We like to encourage young talent. The youth bands played in the streets by Marsden Mechanics and were very good."

Among the bands were Holme Valley Music Centre Big Band, Shelley High School Big Band, Shelley Music Centre Big Band, Knottingley High School Jazz Band, Heckmondwike Grammar School Big Band and Ossett Music Centre Big Band.

Ms Newlove said the festival was so successful that all the bed and breakfast accommodation in the area was taken.

St Bartholomew's Church hosted a concert for the first time this year.

Peadar Long's Celestial Echoes exploited the church's acoustics to maximum effect, giving an uplifting and inspired performance.

Elsewhere, visitors had the chance to experience top jazz musicians for the price of a drink.

John Etheridge, one of Britain's finest contemporary guitarists, was joined by fellow musicians Ben Crosland and Dave Tyas at The Railway pub.

Many of the concerts were sold out, such as Stacey Kent's on Saturday night at Marsden Mechanics.

Pancada, a Latin jazz funk group who played from 11.30pm to 1.30am on Sunday morning, proved popular, along with The Zappatistas, a homage to the late rock hero Frank Zappa.

This event featured Etheridge and colleagues Steve Lodder on keyboard and Annie Whitehead on trombone.

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