ORGANISERS of the second ever Vale Jazz weekend have hailed the event a success, while launching an appeal for support for the 2017 festival.

The event featured Sax on the Prom with The Saxalettes, and roots and blues from arguably the UK’s finest, youngest blues guitarist, Jack Blackman, on Friday.

Coordinator, Gemma Collard said: “I have a small, but dedicated team working towards putting Vale Jazz Weekend out there. They work so hard, voluntarily and I’m really pleased with what we’ve achieved in our first two years. Funding was a struggle for us this year. We are looking to reach further afield for the third Vale Jazz Weekend, set for May 2017.”

The opening evening ended with a swinging dance night at Barry Yacht Club, with tunes provided by DJ Reverend Dai Hep and the venue being filled with Lindy Hoppers from around South Wales.

Songs, storytelling and funk with The Albino Frogs at Marco’s café on Saturday were followed by the smooth jazz sounds of Bella Collins & Gareth Evans at Coffee Cove.

The audience then moved to the Park Hotel where they were treated to Cuban, Salsa jazz, giving the town a real holiday feel.

Shortly after, piano soul man Dan Burnett with Mark Jarvis blew the crowd away with some toe tapping tunes after their epic travel across country from Harrogate.

Derek Nash, of Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra fame with his award winning quartet, held the stage at the Sea View Labour Club on Saturday.

Sunday morning, saw the crowd gather at Coffee Cove for breakfast rockabilly gospel provided by John Lewis, in his own unique, rock and roll way.

Jazz Weekend followers continued on to Academy Espresso to watch the Sax For Fun crew before heading to the Wyndham Club where many local residents could participate in a Learn To Play sax workshop provided by Beverly Gough.

They were invited to ‘jam’ with the professionals later on.

The Borough Arms showcased blues covers provided by The Delta Breaks before an international headline evening at Barry West End Club was provided by Veronica Sbergia & Max de Bernardi, on tour from Milan. They were joined on stage by local, Anthony Cresci, of Jelly Roll Jones fame.

Sponsors included the Vale Council, Barry Town Council, Newydd, Coffee Cove, The Park Hotel, Wyndham Club, Barry West End Club, Marco’s, Boofy’s and The Borough Arms.

Venues, artists or individual who can help in any way, can visit Facebook page - Vale Jazz Weekend, or Twitter @Vale_JAZZfest