Cafes, shops, restaurants, hotels and guest houses have signed up to support the Festival, believing that the event will help to add value to Plymouth’s offer as a tourist and visitor destination – and hoping to increase business too.

Venues, cafes and restaurants across the Barbican have agreed to become Official Festival Venues for this year’s event, hosting gigs and performances day and evening. There are 13 Official Festival Venues this year.

Venues get in the swing
Venues and businesses have got on board with the annual music and entertainment event.

The latest venue to sign up to host jazz is Café Roma, on Notte Street, run by Andy Baker. He is hosting the first gig of the Festival, by staging the Philip Clouts duo at 12.00pm on Friday May 1.

Said Andy: “I think the Festival is a great idea for businesses. I enjoyed the event last year and I wanted to get involved with this year’s event. We’ll be putting on live music for our lunchtime clientele, and I’m delighted to be the first gig of the festy!”

Other businesses have agreed to sign up for next year’s event – even before this year’s is finished. Festival director Katie Thompson said: “It shows a faith in the Festival as a driver for more visitors and tourists, and it’s fantastic to have such support early on in the event’s development. It proves that people are behind us and want to see us succeed – and with that support, we want to make this event integral to Plymouth’s entertainment calendar.”

Hotels and guest houses support too
Plymouth’s hotels and guest houses are backing the Barbican International Jazz and Blues Festival, believing it is a tool in attracting more people to stay in Plymouth.

Official Festival Accommodation includes: The Astor Hotel on Elliott Street, The Hoe; The Holiday Inn, on Armada Way, Gallery Guesthouse on North Road East; Kynance House and Casa Mia, both on Citadel Road.

In addition, The Astor Hotel is supporting the Festival by supplying rooms for visiting artistes performing at the event.