Marlborough International Jazz Festival got off to a flying start yesterday evening in glorious sunshine.

Crowds of visitors mingled outside the Castle and Ball in the High Street with drinks in hand to see the festival officially declared open by 17-year-old Alexander Bone.

Last year, he was named the first ever BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year and the multitalented performer, who is a composer, producer and plays the saxophone and piano, got everyone’s feet tapping as he performed with band Jam Experiment at ASK later in the evening.

This year marks the 29th year of the event and Marlborough Mayor Margaret Rose with her mace bearers and beadle were also in attendance at the festival opening, alongside her chaplain David Campbell who invited everyone to say a short prayer with him.

As well as showcasing international talent, local talent is not forgotten at the festival and the St John’s School Jazz band gave a wonderful performance at the opening as did the Marlborough Big Band, who performed in place of the Original Rabbit Foot Spasm band.

Afterwards, jazz lovers dispersed to the Castle and Ball beer garden and other venues around the town including the Conservative Club, Azuza, and the Royal Oak in preparation for the other musicians playing all night long.

Queues of people were also lining up to get their tickets at the ticket booth in the High Street, some sporting the festival’s T-shirts.

Today, more than 70 bands and musicians will perform around the town including the Priory Gardens, where renowned singer Elkie Brooks will be from 9pm. Tickets to see her sold out within two days.

Other musicians of note playing today are jazz, funk and Latin band, Alice in Grooveland at the Bear Hotel, 12-2pm; blues artist Lil’ Jimmy Reed at Ask, 6.30-8.30pm and Polly and The Billets Doux, who are nominated by Brewin Dolphin – the main sponsors of the festival – as the best newcomers. They will be playing at The Marlborough from 10pm-midnight.

Some drivers faced traffic woes earlier today with delays getting in and out of the town because of the closure of the High Street but traffic is now flowing.

Tickets are still available from the stand in the High Street.