Brecon Jazz Festival
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Brecon Jazz Festival is held on an annual basis in the rural surroundings of Brecon, Wales. Normally staged during August, it is host to a range of jazz musicians who travel from across the world to take part.
During the weekend Brecon plays host to many visiting tourists who are attracted by the music, the social scene and the other leisure opportunities on offer in and around the Brecon Beacons.
The current festival manager is Jim Smith, and the festival is strongly supported by Rhodri Morgan, the First Minister of Wales
[edit] Tickets and accommodation
In the past, there have been three types of ticket available for Brecon Jazz festival:
- Some concerts require that a specific concert ticket is purchased. These feature well-known headline acts, and prices vary between £10-15.
- A 'stroller' ticket allows access to stroller venues. These smaller venues generally feature bands from the Welsh jazz and British jazz scenes along with guests from around the world. Stroller tickets have been available over the entire weekend, or for just one day or evening. These are very popular tickets and tend to sell out quickly.
- Family tickets are similar to stroller tickets, but provide access only to outdoor stroller venues during the day time.
In previous years, it has not been nessecary to purchase a ticket to enjoy Brecon Jazz Festival, due to a programme of free street music and a range of stalls. Some jazz fans complain that street drinking and rowdiness amongst these non-paying guests has made the festival less enjoyable.
Camping is popular at the festival, there are two official sites open to ticket holders, and several independent sites around the Brecon area. Hotels and Bed & Breakfast are also available, but a high demand usually means that early booking is required.
[edit] 2006 festival
Due to legal and policing issues, the 2006 festival did not feature street music. This led to criticisms that the spirit of the festival was being lost. The organisers have pledged to address festivalgoers' concerns for the 2007 festival.
The 2006 festival was sponsored by HSBC.
