A Huddersfield music festival has been crowned the best in Yorkshire.
Marsden Jazz Festival won the Outstanding Established Festival title at the Yorkshire Gig Guide Awards 2015 in Whitby.
The three day event, which has been running for 24 years bringing together jazz artists from around the world and local talent, beat other renowned regional festivals such as Bingley Music Live, The Willowman Festival, Whitby’s Musicport and Bradford Pride.
At it’s most recent festival, held between October 9 and 11, performances took place at 20 venues, including by legendary saxophonist Jean Toussaint, New Orleans-based clarinettist Evan Christopher, and Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year Arun Ghosh.
Family friendly events and youth music were a big focus, while many of the gigs were free to open it up to as many people as possible.
Meanwhile, dozens took part in the annual Saturday parade where they played kazoos created in an earlier workshop.
Festival Producer Barney Stevenson said: “We’ve had loads people saying this year’s festival was the best yet so it’s been absolutely fantastic to win the Yorkshire Gig Guide Grassroots award on top of that.
“I think what makes the Marsden Jazz Festival such a great experience is that there’s so much variety.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a die-hard jazz fan or are just looking for a fun day out with your family – we’ve got something for everyone.
“Many of the headline gigs at the festival sold out this year and the free gigs in the pubs, clubs and cafes had a fantastic atmosphere. We also had over 10 hours of live music performed by local youth groups in the bandstand in Marsden Park, and the Saturday parade was a real spectacle.
“I think it’s that great mix of events that impresses people when they visit the festival and obviously impressed the judges as well. Hopefully we’ll be able to put on something even better for our 25th festival.”
Next year’s festival will be held in the village from October 7 to 9.
READ MORE:Marsden Jazz Festival 2014
