More details for the return of Ipswich Jazz Festival this summer have been announced, as tickets have now gone on sale.

Ipswich Star: Ian Shaw is performing at Ipswich Jazz Festival. Picture: JOHN WATSONIan Shaw is performing at Ipswich Jazz Festival. Picture: JOHN WATSON (Image: Archant)

The festival, now in its third year, will feature top international and local jazz acts, alongside dance and music workshops, pub performances and other events from June 22-24.

Headlining on Friday, June 22, is energetic Italian outfit Rumba de Bodas, who will be performing a unique mix of gypsy swing, Latin, reggae, soul and folk at St Peter’s by the Waterfront.

On the Saturday, singer and pianist Ian Shaw will be performing with top saxophonists Brandon Allen and Vasilis Xenopoulos, as well as Suffolk’s Chris Ingham Trio.

A special piece of music commissioned for the festival will be performed, which highlights Suffolk’s music heritage, which organisers hope will be a “musical legacy for the town”. The South Suffolk Youth Jazz Ensemble will also perform on the Saturday.

Ipswich Star: Ipswich Jazz Festival logo. Picture: IPSWICH JAZZ FESTIVALIpswich Jazz Festival logo. Picture: IPSWICH JAZZ FESTIVAL (Image: Archant)

On the Sunday, the headliners will be singers Jacqui Dankworth and Charlie Wood.

Festival organiser Neil Bateman said: “Yet again we have attracted some superb jazz names to Ipswich and working with other local bodies we can offer a real treat with many different events.

“We have also been awarded a grant by Arts Council England and have had generous sponsorship from Coes of Ipswich and Music World which keeps our running costs down and helps sell tickets at much reduced prices.

“You don’t need to go to London to see great jazz.”

Ipswich Star: Jacqui Dankworth and Charlie Wood, who are performing at Ipswich Jazz Festival 2018. Picture: CONTRIBUTEDJacqui Dankworth and Charlie Wood, who are performing at Ipswich Jazz Festival 2018. Picture: CONTRIBUTED (Image: Archant)

An integral part of the weekend is the involvement of the community, with workshops in jazz skills for drums, guitar and singers being laid on. A jazz art exhibition will be on at Ipswich Town Hall, while John Watson will lead a photography workshop.

Elsewhere, Ipswich Film Theatre is showing jazz movies, while Martin Hathaway will host a lecture at the Ipswich Institute about the history of the genre.

Free jazz gigs will be held on the Sunday at the Duke of York and The Arbor House.

Ipswich Borough Council deputy leader Bryony Rudkin said: “It’s great to have the Jazz Festival back as part of the town’s summer events programme.

“Neil Bateman has once again brought us a diverse and exciting line-up and I am sure the festival will be a great success.”

Tickets are on sale now, and available by calling 01473 295900 or visiting the Wolsey Theatre website here.