Malmesbury Jazz Festival was started in 1996 by the Malmesbury Jazz Society. It was founded on the request of North Wiltshire District Council which wanted to start a festival in Malmesbury.

They asked the jazz society, who have organised jazz gigs in the town for at least 27 years, if they could start a festival funded by the district council.

The format of the festival has remained unchanged since it started, with bands playing over Friday night, Saturday and Sunday at venues around the town including pubs and even Malmesbury Abbey.

From the start the festival has proved a popular draw with jazz lovers by offering good music, mostly for free.

Malmesbury Jazz Society was formed in 1976 and since than has brought New Orleans-style traditional jazz to fans.

The society meets on the last Saturday of each month during the winter at the Rose and Crown in Lea, near Malmesbury.

This year's festival will take place on September 911.

The committee is currently trying to find suitable venues and is keen to receive sponsorship.