THE first ever Vale Jazz Festival left Barry with a swing in its step this weekend, with organisers already looking forward to bringing it back next year.

Over the weekend thousands of people saw 24 acts taking part in the jazz festival around Barry and Barry Island.

Performers, including the Dixielanders, Bella Collins, The Numbers Racket, Dale Storr, Sean Taylor, Hot Club Gallois and the Remi Harris project, brought an eclectic mix of various jazz and blues stylings to 14 venues through the town.

The event was opened on Friday (June 19) by the Archbishop of Wales Barry Morgan who also held a special jazz service at St Mary's church on Sunday with Vale Mayor Fred Johnson as a guest.

Chairman of the organising committee Councillor Richard Bertin said: “This was our first year and what a great year it was. Thousands came to visit the festival and all the feedback from those attending was extremely positive.

“The aim of the event was not only to provide free entertainment for the community, but to promote jazz and bring visitors to the town and we succeeded.

“But we had to get funding to make it happen and it wasn’t until about six weeks ago that we found out we were successful in our bid so our team worked extremely hard to make this event happen.

“Given the success of this first event, we are now looking forward to put another event on next year and we would ask all those interested to get involved and join our organising committee.”

Prior to the festival the committee had to chase sponsorship from a variety of sources to raise the £9000 required to make the event happen.

Sponsorship came from organisations such as The Arts Council for Wales, The National Lottery, Vale Council, Barry Town Council, Cardiff Bus, Newydd Housing and others.

Next year it is hoped the event will be bigger and better, and able to include educational courses for young children.

Organising secretary and project advisor Gemma Collard said: “Our first year has been fantastic and must be hailed as a success. Our challenge next year is to get even more visitors to attend the festival and to make it even bigger and better.

“We would like to thank all those who were involved in Vale Jazz this year and look forward to your support again next year.”

The festival organisers would like to hear your feedback, and whether you want to see the Vale hold another Jazz Festival next year.

Contact the Barry & District News with your letters and emails or let us know what you thought via social media.