Bray to bask in the sun with Jazz festival

With temperatures still a little on the cool side, music lovers could do worse than head to Bray this coming weekend. With musicians from more than 30 international acts on its jazz trail, Bray Jazz Festival looks set to see the mercury rising.

What started off in 2000 as a small little festival has blossomed into what many regard as one of the friendliest jazz festivals on the circuit. And while the organisers are in many ways battling against the odds without a sponsor with deep pockets, the seaside venue seems to be more than capable of punching above its weight.

Over the years Bray has attracted big names such as pianist Andrew Hill, Polish trumpeter Tomasz Stanko, saxophonist Andy Sheppard and Norwegian pianist Tord Gustafson.