“As a massive fan of live music in the Midlands area, I was delighted to be asked to be the patron of Lichfield Arts Blues and Jazz Festival 2017,” comments Roy.

“My career as a writer, musician and performer since the 1960s has provided me with many of the highlights of my life, and it is great that festivals like this one continue to help and develop local talent, as well as giving local audiences the chance to see performers from the national circuit on their door-step.”

Adds Councillor Smith: “My joy at the “ Lichfield Blues and Jazz Festival 2017” is that it musically reflects on our wonderful heritage whilst looking forward to the future and how our music will progress”.

This popular music festival promises a mouth-watering variety of blues and jazz, performed by some of the best known and loved names on the national and regional music circuit.

These include the Climax Blues Band, Sticky Wicket & his Swing Orchestra, Chris Gumbley & Anything Goes, Remi Harris Trio, Fred ‘T’ Baker, Emma Johnson Boogie Woogie Quartet, Masai Blues, Dunnettbaxter Big Band, Callum Roxburgh ‘Swing’ Orchestra, Lichfield Jazz All Stars, Blast Off, Lindy Hop dance workshop and a wide variety of street events.

Visitors will be treated to a wide range of concerts and performances in pubs and historic venues right across this picturesque city.

New venues this year include a ‘Festival Hub’ based at the George 1V public house, complete with pop-up blues and jazz stage, the Angel Inn and the Kings Head public houses. For more information on who is on and where visit www.lichfield-jazz.co.uk.

Roy continues; “I remember my early instruments as being a nightmare to play, with high actions, and temperamental tunings being par for the course, and although the instruments that are available today are better, the pure thrill of playing for a live audience remains the same for all of us, whether or not it is playing to a small audience in a pub, or in massive arenas. As musicians we never take our audiences for granted, and we hope that you enjoy the festival, whether it is for one gig, or a workshop, or for the whole weekend, and if you want, bring a friend, because good music is always better when it is shared”.

For further information please contact Lichfield Arts Office: 01543 262223 or info@lichfieldarts.org.uk.