CROWDS gathered outside the Subscription Rooms in Stroud to listen to Big Band jazz in the sunshine over the May bank holiday weekend.

The outdoor performance by Jazz Friday was part of the town's first festival celebrating the music genre.

In a line-up organised by Stroud Valleys Artspace and hosted by venues across town, The Mighty John Street Ska Orchestra covered tunes made popular by the Skatalites, a ska band from Jamaica during the 60s and 70s.

Other bands which featured included Swing From Paris, a four-piece jazz ensemble, The Tadlib Collective, a group of professional players from across the South-West and Ramses, which debuted at Stroud Fringe festival in 2015.

Stroud Jazz Jam Sessions, which has been based at SVA in John Street for the last 12 years, also gave musicians the chance to be in the limelight improvising on stage.

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal: