Ashford Summer Sounds 2008, a programme of festivals and musical events throughout July, got off to a swinging start at the weekend with the Ashford Jazz Festival appearing in the town centre.
The four-day event began on Thursday 3 July, with ‘Jazz at County Square’, and closed on Sunday evening with ‘Jazz at The Albion’.
The highlight of the weekend, though, was undoubtedly The Colin Welch All Star Jazz Ensemble, featuring Don Rendell and Henry Lowther, who performed 'The Ashford Suite', a piece of music especially written for the town!
Chris Dixon, Arts Project Coordinator for Ashford Borough Council, said: "It was fantastic to see the town buzzing over the weekend with so many local people and businesses involved. And this is just the beginning. Over the next few weeks Ashford will be getting used to a wide variety of concerts, street entertainment and parades right on their door step!"
Jazz lovers, and music lovers in general, need not despair if they missed the weekend’s action as the Egerton Music Festival will be running for this week as well.
The festival is celebrating its’ fifth year and opened the proceedings on Friday 4 July with a Gala Opera Night, presented by Opera Box and staged at the Millennium Hall in Egerton.
The final performance will be a selection of choral favourites with the Kent Chamber Choir, performing at St. James’ Church from 7.30pm on Sunday 13 July. The previous night, Saturday 12 July, sees the Millennium Hall playing host to The Old Barn Orchestra for a Gala Concert.
With many of the events free of charge and such a diverse range of talent and entertainment on offer, organisers are hoping to attract over 5,000 people to Egerton for the duration of the festival.
Back in Ashford, the Big Weekend and Carnival kicks off at 10am this Saturday 12 July, with stages in the High Street, Park Mall and County Square Shopping Centres.
The Big Weekend features a great selection of free musical entertainment and this year’s line up includes ‘Wheeler Street’, ‘Jumbo Gumbo’, ‘Highworth Folk Band’ and many more.
For information about all of the activities for the Big Weekend, please call 01233 664410 or visit The Ashford Town Talk website.
And finally, on Sunday 13 July, the 2008 Ashford Carnival winds its way through the town centre, beginning from Stanhope Estate at 4pm. There will be other events, such as street theatre, music and entertainment, in the town centre from 11am on Sunday.
Admission is free and to take part in the carnival procession, please call 01233 664410.
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to wish your near & dear happy birthday with photos and greetings.
Quotation Request
Quotations are now invited for our Xmas programme 2008.
1) Mutton Curry & Chicken Fry or Chicken Curry/Masala & Beef Fry with Fried Rice and all other side dishes including desert. Cut off date for submission of quote is 30 Nov 2008.
Contact person are : Raju Varghese, Ph: 01233662263
Biju Mathew, Ph: 01233610546
Jestine Joseph, Ph: 01233336253/07869283721
