July 10th - 17th 2010

‘Looking forward... Looking Back’
Celebrating 25 Years of the Wigan International Jazz Festival

Twenty five years, a ‘milestone’ that we in Wigan are proud to have reached!

Looking back to 1985 it was the popularity of jazz and big band music generated locally by the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra, along with the formation of Wigan Jazz Club that set the seed in our minds for an International Jazz Festival in Wigan. Initially planned over an after-work drink in a local pub and taking less than six months to arrange, the first festival was staged in July 1986. Celebrity concert No.1 at the first festival featured the amazing Paquito D’Rivera Quintet who entertained a sell out Mill at the Pier audience and resulted in people jumping and dancing in the aisles. That concert well and truly set the scene and the standard for all to follow, since which time some of the greatest names in jazz have appeared at the festival. These have included to name a few Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Michael Brecker, Maynard Ferguson, Bobby Shew, Kenny Baker and James Morrison.

Looking Forward the festival organisers have always aimed at a wide and varied programme; one that occasionally stretches the boundaries and gently educates the audience into listening to new artists and new styles, for it is surely there where the future of jazz resides. At the same time the festival has always been keen to recognise and celebrate the rich heritage of jazz. The festival team has, and will always strive for high quality, value for money, well presented Jazz programmes, featuring a wide variety of Jazz styles, which over our 25 years have celebrated all that’s great in Jazz. With the support of our valuable sponsors, Wigan Council, Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust and the ever present Wigan Jazz Club, we have worked extremely hard in every one of the 24 festivals to deliver a programme that compares well with any in the world.

The fact that we are still here 25 years on is testament to the special programmes that have been presented at the Wigan International Jazz Festival, the friendly atmosphere generated and most importantly of all, to the continued support and encouragement of the wonderful audiences, for without an audience, jazz or any art form for that matter, could not exist.
 
Come and join the celebration of 25 years of the Wigan International Jazz Festival... a very special programme awaits!

Thanking you for your continued support.

With best wishes,

Dr Ian Darrington MBE

Dr Ian Darrington MBE

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