Forty years on from the first Bath Festival of Blues a new festival kicks off this weekend in Bath headlined by Stan Webb's Chicken Shack.

The Cooler Jazz and Blues Festival kicks off tomorrow with concerts by the Bath Blues Brothers at The Chapel, and the James Lambeth Trio at the Green Park Brasserie and runs until Sunday July 5.

The finale of the ten-day treat for jazz and blues fans is a party in St James Street, starting at 12.45pm and ending at 8pm.

Stan Webb's Chicken Shack – who were among the original line-up in 1969 – top a bill that features Innes Sibun, Metropolis, The Bourbons, and The Jazz House Trio with Jonny Bruce Deadbeat.

There will also be sideshows and food and drink stalls.

"It is great to have managed to get Chicken Shack to headline the festival," says festival organiser, David Baldock, 'and the Party in the Street will be a unique event because it will take place in the heart of the Georgian city."

The original blues festival took place on the Recreation Ground.

Events during the week include The Kevin Brown Quartet at St James Wine Vaults on Saturday June 27, followed by melodic jazz and mellow blues from Tracey Kelly on Tuesday June 20.

The Farmhouse rocks to the high energy blues of Innes Sibun on Tuesday June 30, followed by the classy Ros Cuthbert Duo on Wednesday, an open mic night on Thursday July 2, gipsy swingers The Mandibles on Friday July 3 and raw blues from Andrew Bazeley on Saturday July 4.

Diners at Green Park Brasserie can enjoy the funky jazz of the Guy Harrup 4 this Saturday, the James Lambeth Trio on Thursday July 2, hot gipsy jazz with French Connection on Friday July 3 and classic sixties jazz with the Mike Collins Trio on Saturday July 4.

The Ring of Bells at Widcombe is also hosting events on Sunday June 28 with 45th Street Swing and the Chaser Trio on July 5.

Gascoyne Place is the venue for the modern jazz violin and sweet sounds of Azhaar Saffar on Sunday June 28 and blues and rock with a twist from the Steve Robinson Band.

Many of the events are free but tickets for Party in the Street cost £12 in advance and £15 on the gate. To book in advance visit www.coolerfestivals.co.uk or call Bath Festivals box office on 01225 463362. See page 63 for more details of the 1969 Bath Blues Festival.

Jackie Chappell