Accountancy group Smith & Williamson and law firm Ashfords are to jointly sponsor this year’s Bristol Jazz & Blues Festival – one of the city’s largest music events.
The highly-acclaimed festival, now in its fifth year, has a packed and diverse programme of concerts and workshops between March 16 to 19 taking place at the Colston Hall, O2 Academy and Bristol Folk House.
Highlights this year include Grammy and Brit award-winning singer Macy Gray, Mud Morganfield – son of Muddy Waters – a big band tribute to the legendary Dizzy Gillespie and a screening of the classic silent film Metropolis with a live score from Bristol sax giant Andy Sheppard.
Ashfords and Smith & Williamson – both of which have large offices in the city – are the festival’s first major sponsors.
Festival director Colin Gorrie said: “This support reflects their confidence in what the festival has achieved in four short years, and confirms the importance it gives to our city’s cultural development.
“We’re very much looking forward to developing our partnership with Ashfords and Smith & Williamson with the most exciting festival programme to date.”
Head of Ashfords’ Bristol office Chris Dyson said: “Ashfords is delighted to be sponsoring the Bristol Jazz & Blues Festival and supporting one of our city’s biggest music events. The festival has continued to grow year on year and we are looking forward to welcoming an exciting line-up of musicians to Bristol this March.”
Smith & Williamson Bristol office managing partner Mike Lea added: “We are very pleased to be sponsoring Bristol’s International Jazz and Blues Festival in 2017 and look forward to a star-studded line up.
“Last year, we sponsored the festival’s launch reception which was such a hit with our clients, colleagues and friends of the firm that we couldn’t resist coming back for more. The festival’s reputation has grown significantly over the years and it’s a privilege to be part of it.”
To find out more about the festival and to buy tickets, visit www.bristoljazzandbluesfest.com
Pictured, from left: Chris Dyson of Ashfords, Festival artistic director Denny Ilett, festival executive producer Colin Gorrie and Mike Lea of Smith & Williamson
