BUDE Jazz Festival is looking for support to ensure the future of the event, following the loss of its main sponsor in 2017.

The 30th Bude Jazz Festival was held from August 29 to September 1, 2017, and was a great success. The festival started with a traditional parade around the town, including a brolly parade, and from then on it was four continuous days of jazz.

All the venues were in the town centre, which allowed festival goers to move around and sample different bands very easily. There were free afternoon sessions in the bandstand by the Castle, which brought the jazz to casual visitors and passers-by.

Last year there were also evening stroller tickets available for those that had limited time to come and listen.

The bands were a mixture of old favourites, bands returning after a gap and some excellent new ones.

All in all, there was a great atmosphere around the town with jazzers meeting up with old friends, buskers at various locations, dancing in the Parkhouse Centre, and excellent attendances in all the venues.

Unfortunately, the festival lost its main sponsor last year, and it was necessary to draw on financial reserves. The organising committee, all local volunteers, have taken the decision that reserves are sufficient for another festival and so there will be a 31st Bude Jazz Festival in 2018, running from August 28 to 31.

However, the long-term future is in doubt unless additional sponsors or other funding sources can be found.

The festival brings a great deal of business to the town in the week after the August bank holiday, but receives limited support from local organisations.

The search is on for additional sponsors and the organising committee would like to hear from any organisations that can help this festival continue in the long term.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Peter Daniel on 01288 341653.

There is already a great line-up promised for this year’s festival. More information can be found at www.jazzfestivalbude.co.uk