your comments
Jane Wildeboer from West Sussex
This was the first Brecon Jazz I have missed since I first came along in 1992. And, by the sound of the comments, I'm glad I stayed at home. The magic has been fading over the past few years, and, with the demise of the open air venus and Stroller, it now sounds as if it's been totally destroyed. I do hope to come along again one day, but only if the Stroller ticket, and open air venues, make a most welcome return. Please, please give us back the wonderful Festival it used to be - complete with the lovely proper local ales. A real Welsh Jazz Festival. It%! 20was unbeatable!
Thu Nov 12 14:41:20 2009
Lesley Hutchinson, Newcastle upon Tyne
We have been attending the Jazz festival for a number of years now and in previous years have thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at the open air venues and the rich range of culture brought into the town by the numerous craft and food stalls. All this, set against the back drop of one of the most beautiful areas in the country, made the festival very special and truely unique. I think all credit has to go to the new team who enabled the festival to go ahead at such short notice this year. We were once again there for the whole weekend and took in 11 concerts which were very reasonably priced. This was a similar number of concerts that we would have attended on the stroller programme in previous years and cost only slightly more; good value for money. The jazz bands we saw were excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed the carnival parade through the town which created a fun atmosphere as it weaved its way through the streets of Brecon. But then it was over and the atmosphere died.We were extremely disappointed by the venues. We spent a large part of the weekend queuing to get into venues and due to the decision to not use Captains Walk most of our concerts were in the theatre. Whilst it is a lovely building for one off concerts we did not enjoy being in a dark, enclosed and 'forma! l' environment for the majority of the weekend! .
Mon Aug 31 15:36:06 2009
Linda Gregory Abingdon
A good effort considering that it nearly didn't happen, but not the Jazz Festival of old, as already pointed out. If it was your first, then there was some good music to be seen, but it lacked the connection with the mountains. As all the venues were indoors, you could have been anywhere! Yes, the vagaries of the British climate make outdoor venues risky, but I have been in all sorts of weather and still enjoyed it. The stroller ticket gave the opportunity to experience a wider range of music, but according to the organisers, the Health and Safety regulations have made it extremely expensive to run them. Last year's Christs College venue was brilliant, but they had put the seats far too far from the stage, making it sadly lacking in atmosphere ...maybe next year. And please don't bring back those tightly closed marquees which made you feel like you were boiling in a bag.The ticket prices this year gave great value for money and the Festival Parade brought atmosphere to the streets, but where was the street music....bands like Krukke and Animal Jack were great fun to have around. And a festival without the Root Doctors...Bands like the Spikedrivers, Amigos and Protect the Beat were brilliant - all sold out, and not surprisingly - the venues were far too small to contain the many who would have liked to see them. Such a pity!
Sun Aug 16 20:46:35 2009
Gwynfor Jones
Have to agree with Celia - not a festival to shout about. What happened to the Little Orleans in the Beacons.... Brecon is supposed to be a vibrant jazz festival and this one lacked atmosphere. I did like the pricing - I usually spend in excess £150 in tickets - this year just £30 ....Perhaps some liaison/ dialogue with the fringe may help as the staff at the ticket office claimed they knew nothing about the fringe. Please put a jazz stage back in town - if only to create an atmosphere... and perhaps promote youth jazz within Wales --- PS the Jazz for juniors was a great choice -- now lets see if ! it can continue -- how about picking MYJO or NYJO... to perform next year
Thu Aug 13 11:04:10 2009
Celia Cardiff
A poor excuse for a festival this year I'm afraid. Bring back the old days of beautiful, relaxed music drifting around the town as one strolled from venue to venue. I think the new festival producers are seriously lacking an understanding of the fundamental concepts of Jazz and how it is meant to be enjoyed in a relaxed environment, such as the Bishop's Garden, Captains Walk and all the other wonderful stroller venues. I definitely missed the interesting food stalls and funky little market stands that are usually dotted about the town centre. I'm sorry to say, but after more than 20 years of thoroughly enjoying Br! econ Jazz (with the minor exception of last year)I certainly will not be going next year. Bring back the old team and the fun festival environment! Surely a change of financial management would have been better than a complete remake.
Tue Aug 11 14:42:38 2009
Steve from Cardiff
This was my first time at Brecon Jazz so I can't compare with any other year. When I arrived in Brecon my first impression was with the friendliness of the people and the quaint town centre. The sun was out,lots of people were on the streets to see the parade, and there was an amazing atmosphere. In the afternoon i saw Wonderbrass play in the theatre situated alongside the canal, this band is so full of fun and energy!! What great entertainment, this has to be the best £8.00 spent in a long time, definately one to see!! My only regret is that I only spent one day at the festival with friends. Next year I will be taking my family to Brecon for a holiday during the festival weekend. I know the kids would love it!! Well done Brecon - brilliant job!!
Tue Aug 11 10:03:22 2009
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