(Image: Supplied)
A new four-day jazz festival in York has been hailed a success.
Organisers said they were “absolutely blown away” by the reaction to York Jazz Festival, which took place across the city from October 1-4.
The festival saw jazz music fill the Angel on the Green in Bishopthorpe Road, the Arts Barge in the Foss Basin, Young Thugs Studio in Ovington Terrace, the Phoenix pub next to Fishergate Bar, the Winning Post in Bishopthorpe Road and the Knavesmire in Albemarle Road.
People then came together in the Bishopthorpe Road car park where a stage had been installed for the festival’s grand finale on October 4.
The York Jazz Fest finale in the Bishopthorpe Road Car Park on October 4 (Image: Supplied)
Beppe Lombardo, the festival’s organiser, said the event “exceeded every expectation we had, bringing our city alive with incredible energy, world-class music and an unbeatable atmosphere”.
He thanked all the people behind the festival, saying: “A festival of this scale simply doesn't happen without a dedicated village behind the scenes, and I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who brought this vision to life.”
Beppe also thanked everyone who attended the festival.
“To everyone who bought a ticket, came out to support live music, and brought their passion: you made this weekend truly unforgettable,” he said. “This was a monumental first step, and it’s a weekend York will be talking about for a very long time.”
People dance during the York Jazz Fest finale in the Bishopthorpe Road Car Park on October 4 (Image: Supplied)
Bella Brunton, promoter of York Jazz Festival, said: “We had so many people tell us that York felt alive, buzzing with energy and culture.
“That was exactly what we wanted the festival to be about; bringing people together through live music and celebrating the independent venues, musicians and creative community that make York such a brilliant place.
“I’ve been thrilled to be a part of this festival, I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes to make it happen.”
Performance at the Arts Barge during York Jazz Fest (Image: Supplied)
She added that the festival came to a “brilliant close with a packed grand finale in the Bishopthorpe Road car park”.
“Having Dennis Rollins headline the final set, with a glorious sunset appearing just as he took to the stage, was a pretty perfect way to wrap up the weekend,” Bella said. “Thank you to the Arts Barge, Angel on the Green, the Winning Post, the Phoenix and the Knavesmire for opening their doors to the festival, and to every musician who brought their talent and energy to York.
“The festival was made possible thanks to support from sponsorship from Churchills Estate Agents, and the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, with the High Street Fund scheme which helped us create a weekend of live jazz rooted in independent venues and the local community.”
Bella said the organisers are “confident that this is just the beginning” of the festival.
“There’s a real appetite for bringing people together around live music and independent culture in York, and we’d love to build on the energy of this year’s festival and make it a regular part of the city’s cultural calendar,” she said.