The 19th Marsden Jazz Festival line-up has just been confirmed. Getting under way on Friday 8 October the festival runs until Sunday 10 October with a hugely diverse range of acts, from the trad era clarinet icon Acker Bilk and the bebop avatar Stan Tracey to new groups Phronesis and the Mercury-nominated Kit Downes.

The festival which takes place in Huddersfield, west Yorkshire, features on the opening day a mix of experience and youth, as Acker Bilk with his Paramount Jazz Band takes to the stage at Marsden Mechanics for a special performance. Elsewhere Rod Mason’s Elements plays the Royal British Legion with guests trumpeter Martin Shaw and guitarist Mike Outram; and singer Olivia Hutchinson plays at Crumbals-on-the-Corner cafe.

Saturday’s headline artists are Stan Tracey, and Jacqui Dankworth, both playing at the Marsden Mechanics. Tracey’s quartet, comprising pianist Tracey with Simon Allen on saxophone, Andrew Cleyndert on bass and Clark Tracey on drums, play at 4pm while singer Jacqui Dankworth, takes to the stage at 8pm.

The festival also features its acclaimed New Stream programme at the Marsden Royal British Legion with Kit Downes (12pm) and Phronesis (2pm), the hottest names on the bill.

The festival’s closing day features the Voice Of The North Jazz Orchestra alongside former Jazz Warrior Jason Yarde, who play at Marsden Mechanics. Also performing on the Sunday are Threeway, led by bassist Ben Crosland and featuring Steve Lodder on piano and Steve Waterman, horns; plus the Stuart Riley Octet.

– James Bourne

For more go to www.marsdenjazzfestival.com