As well as featuring some of the most exciting toe tapping talent from around the world, including stars such as Keith Nichols, Alan Barnes, Randy Sandke and Jeff Barnhart, there are also a number of local performers set to take the limelight this year.

Keswick School Jazz Orchestra is getting ready to blast your socks off this year. The band, now three years old, has over thirty members and, due to the sell-out success of last year's concert, they have doubled their appearance this year with two performances taking place on Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9 from 6pm to 7pm at Southey Street Methodist Church. The Band has also attracted some inspirational guest soloists with upcoming 20-year old jazz artist Amy Roberts joining them on Thursday, and the legendary American trombone player Jim Fryer on Friday.

Other local performers include Cockermouth based singer Caroline Sweeney and the Brian Melville Band. Expect a mixture of modern jazz and swing music at their performance on Sunday, May 11 at 12pm at Keswick Masonic Hall.

Theatre by the Lake's Executive Director, Patric Gilchrist said: "The Jennings Keswick Jazz Festival's reputation is growing year on year; it just keeps getting better and better. People come to visit this festival from all over the world and it's great to see the benefits locally with school groups and regionally based jazz bands being able to thrive from such an atmosphere. Once again this year promises to be a spectacular success."

It's not too late to book to see your favourite performers and due to the extra capacity available at this year's festival, we are releasing a limited number of evening stroller tickets covering all events.

Tickets, from £10, are now available from Theatre by the Lake's ticket office. Call now on 017687 74411.