JAZZ lovers were treated to a packed full programme of musicians and live music at the weekend during the scaled down Marlborough Jazz International Festival. Between 400 and 500 people attended the show which included performances from four American jazz bands as well as a gospel singing workshop open to members of the public.

Amongst performers was singer and guitarist Ben Cipolla, who grew up in Marlborough and joined jazz vocalist Claire Teal as she took to the stage on Sunday afternoon. Mr Cipolla previously performed at the festival with his own band but was back providing vocals alongside BBC Radio 2 DJ Ms Teal’s band as part of her UK wide tour.

This year the number of venues were cut from 24 to just two after Wiltshire Council refused the organiser’s applications for all-day road closures. The council acted on concerns raised by local businesses who said the closures would have a negative impact on trade. However despite the scaled down version of the jazz show, the event has been hailed a success of “artistic brilliance” by planners.

Organiser Nick Fogg said that fewer performers had created an event where only the best artists were selected. “It was a marvellous show, enjoyed by lots of people over the three days.

“Having fewer performers meant there was a higher calibre of performer and it became the most artistically brilliant festival we have ever done,” Mr Fogg added.

Mr Fogg has helped organise the festival since it was launched in 1986 and said: “What is fantastic about the show is that we can support up and coming acts alongside really established artists.

“We will now think about how to take the festival forward in these restricted circumstances.”

Performances took place inside the Town Hall and St Mary’s Church and included sets from pianist and vocalist Emma Jonson and Marlborough Community Choir.