LANCASTER Jazz Festival gets swinging this weekend.

Now in its sixth year the festival, which kicked off yesterday (Thursday), has developed significantly since its origins in 1998.

Supporting musicians and arts activities across the district, the festival sees the city come alive to the sweet sounds of Antonio Forcione, Earl Oakin, Denys Baptiste and Loz Speyer.

Supporting these jazz heavy weights is a plethora of local talent from acid jazz DJs to the chilled timbres of Betty's Blues and Stevie Williams.

The event, which now receives funding from the Arts Council of England, also sees support for young budding talent through a variety of master-classes, workshops and an eclectic Interventionist Tour provided by musicians Steve Lewis, Barrie Marshall and Pete Moser.

For more information on the festival, which runs until Sunday, call the Box Office hotline on 01524-582803.