OVERVIEW | Marsden Jazz Festival 2019

By Blake Hooker
Marsden is known for its spectacular views, moorland walks, mills, canals and of course the free-roaming sheep, but now it is becoming synonymous with Jazz. Every October now music lovers converge on the small Yorkshire village for 3 days to enjoy not only the music but the hospitality of locals in the bars and restaurants.
I decided to join them this year and will be certainly be making this an annual event from now on. Whether you are looking for big band standards, contemporary, Ragtime or just someone cool you can find it all. As someone who hadn’t taken the opportunity to watch live Jazz previously it was a revelation. From the school bands demonstrating their early talent and enthusiasm, to street performances, double bass rhythms and the smooth tones of saxophones, it had it all.
As with all great festivals, MJF starts with a parade and this one didn’t disappoint, brass bands playing and streams of children following as if following the pied piper.
In following the parade it ensured you did not miss the numerous pop-up food outlets and traders along with the bars and restaurants for many had thrown their doors open ensuring you can hear the live music coming from within.
Having fed on live music, food and drink, I left feeling truly fulfilled with a new love for a style of music I had previously left for my parents to listen to and had confined it the archives. Not any more, look forward to seeing you all next year.
Check out highlights from this year’s festival in the video below