SWING enthusiasts throughout the North West, currently enjoying the wonderful fare on offer at the 17th annual Wigan Jazz Festival, have another treat in store.

The seaside resort Morecambe, which is making determined efforts to recapture some of its former glory, will stage a three-day extravaganza in the town on August 30, 31, and September 1 sponsored by Lancaster City Council and organised by popular BBC Radio Lancashire personality Jim Bowen.

Jazz enthusiast Jim plays trumpet and is a fervent supporter of local bands.

After the initial approach from the local authority, Jim enlisted the aid of Mort Allan, a serving member of Lancaster City Council and a former professional cabaret entertainer.

Through their contacts in the entertainment business, Mort Allan and Jim Bowen have booked some terrific visiting bands, among them the resident orchestra on the cruise liner QE2, the Manchester-based Mark Gillbanks Big Band, popular Bolton bebop and mainstream combo Jeriatric Jazz, veterans of a number of festivals, and The Chas Hooper Swing Six.

Also appearing will be two highly-regarded local groups, the Newhall Jazz Band from Kendal and The Bob Moffit Quartet. Local jazzers interested in getting a sneak preview of the fare on offer at Morecambe can do so at the Rhythm Station at Rawtenstall on Tuesday when Manchester-based trumpeter Mark Gillbanks brings his terrific bunch of musicians to reproduce the exciting sounds of Ellington, Basie, Kenton, et al.

Just a few weeks ago the wonderful Shades Jazz Orchestra attracted a packed house to the Rhythm Station with their programme of Kenton classics.

The Mark Gillbanks Big Band are expected to draw a similarly full house.

The band has been in existence since 1986 and is widely regarded as one of the best in the UK, numbering among its ranks some of the finest musicians in the North West. Mark himself is a wonderful trumpeter and plays for a number of other combos in the Manchester area, as well as leading his own band. I've told you before about drummer David Tyas, who is so good he is actually first choice for Shades and Mark Gillbanks.

Anyone reading this who fancies themselves behind a kit should get along to watch Mr Tyas give a Master Class in how it's supposed to be done.

He really is a marvellous player and there are few in his league at driving along a big band.

Now here's advance notice of another jazzfest, this time in the picturesque Pennine village of Marsden, between Hudderfield and Manchester. It runs from October 11-13 and packs an astonishing number of bands and singers into its three days. Further details can be obtained from 01484 843701 or e-mail: admin@marsdenjazzfestival.com