THE end of summer marks the beginning of the buzz around Marsden in readiness for the village’s annual jazz festival.

And this year, the 20th festival, the atmosphere is going to be extremely buzzy!

As part of the lead up to the festival the organisers have joined forces with the Band Room in the neighbouring village of Slaithwaite to promote a couple of ‘Warm-Up Gigs’.

The first of these gigs at the Castle Lane venue features Nicki Allan, next Saturday, September 17, followed by Swing of Things on Friday September 30.

Nicki, who was judged ‘Vocalist of the Year’ by Jazz Yorkshire, will perform original tunes and American standards.

Swing of Things, play swing classics from Django Reinhardt to Louis Jordan.

Contact: For tickets (£5) and details call: 01484 843335 or email: slaithwaite.bandroom@yahoo.co.uk

The main Marsden Jazz Festival runs from Friday October 7 to Sunday October 9.