The countdown to the first Jazz at Llandeilo festival is truly under way.

The event, on the weekend of July 6 – 8, will feature a host of top class performers, including the Eddie Martin Blues Band, the Hideaway Trio and Whisky Business, at venues across the town, as well as at a jazz picnic at Penlan Park bandstand on Sunday afternoon.

Entry to the festival is free, but organisers have warned that tickets, available online and at various venues in the town, will be needed to attend all indoor events. Chief executive of festival organisers Evan-Evans Brewery, Simon Buckley, is sure the event will be a massive hit and become a regular feature on the Llandeilo calendar.

“We have tried to put together a line-up that suits all tastes, from trad jazz to gypsy and blues,”

said Mr Buckley.

“Each venue has a different line-up and music throughout the day.

“The festival is unashamedly about showing off our town and providing a jazz festival that will be fun.” Evan-Evans has been working overtime to create a newbeer for the Welsh jazz season.

Stomper is brewed using the finest winter barley malts to create “a light summery bitterness”.

The town’s traders are gearing up for a busy festival weekend. “It is a great newevent for the town,”

said Olive Branch deli boss Paul Knox.

“I hope this will develop and in time become as prestigious as Brecon.

“This is another event that will put Llandeilo on the map.”