From July 24 – 26.

Leading violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy, the best-selling classical violinist of all time, is performing at one of the hottest events in the UK jazz calendar – the Big Sky Jazz Festival in Margate.

Kennedy’s tribute to legendary jazz musician Miles Davis – one of several headline gigs at key venues in and around the town – is on July 24 at the Winter Gardens.

During his extraordinary career Kennedy has attracted an enormous amount of media attention worldwide, his virtuosic technique, unique talent and mass appeal bringing fresh perspectives to both the classical and contemporary repertoire. His passion for jazz resulted in the album Blue Note Sessions featuring a band of jazz giants such as Ron Carter and Jack DeJohnette, among others, and he’s currently recording a new album of original works with his quintet.

Some of Britain’s best jazz talents join Kennedy in the line up for the Big Sky Jazz Festival – the premier music fest is now in its fifth year – which has been organised by Margate Town Partnership with the support of Thanet District Council.

Names confirmed so far include British jazz guitarist Mark Hewins and his trio, the original ‘District Six’ South African Band, Henry Lowther’s Still Waters, Sarah Moule and Simon Wallace, Annie Whitehead’s Big Sky Big Band, Lackadaisical  Big Band, Christine Tobin Band and John Etheridge.

Additional venues, which include The Wig & Pen, will be confirmed shortly.

For further information on performers and venues call Margate Town Partnership on 01843 297350 or go to www.visitthanet.co.uk