WITH the Cheltenham Jazz Festival just over one week away, organisers have announced the final line-up for what is shaping up to be the most star-studded event in its 20 year history.

Taking place across six days from April 27- May 2, the festival will once again deliver a hugely diverse programme that combines established stars with up and coming talent from across the worlds of jazz, blues, pop and soul.

This year’s festival will feature performances from Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist Lianne La Havas, iconic British saxophonist Courtney Pine in duet with pianist Zoe Rahman, the queen of UK soul Beverley Knight, Elbow frontman Guy Garvey, a show by popular UK songstress Corinne Bailey Rae, the father of Ethio-jazz Mulatu Astatke, acid jazz pioneers The Brand New Heavies and blues legend Taj Mahal.

There will also be a closing night concert from the festival’s artistic curator Jamie Cullum.

Added to the bill is talented Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May, who will bring Leo Green’s hit BBC Radio 2 “Sounds of The 50s” series to life with renditions and reinterpretations of 50s classics.

The festival continues its long-standing partnership with BBC Radio 2 and the station will once again broadcast live on-site throughout the week.

Coverage will include Lianne La Havas ‘Live In Concert’ with Jo Whiley on Thursday, April 28, a Quincy Jones-themed Friday Night is Music Night on April 29, and both Clare Teal and Jamie Cullum presenting shows live from the festival.

The 2016 Cheltenham Jazz Festival is hosted in a tented festival village in Cheltenham’s Montpellier Gardens, featuring a Big Top stage, the Jazz Arena, a new Family Tent featuring workshops, performances and sing-alongs and a food and drink area.

The festival will continue to use nearby venues the Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham Town Hall, Hotel Du Vin and Subtone. This year will also see an expanded 'around town' programme featuring pop up gigs and performances including at the town’s Brewery Quarter.

  •  For a full line-up and tickets go to cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz/ or 01242 850 270