The jazz festival represents huge value, says organiser Nick Fogg with some 100 bands playing in 21 locations over three days.

“If you chose to see the acts individually in other locations it would cost you hundreds of pounds,” he says.

It’s possible to get in free if you agree to act as stewards. Anyone interested should call the festival office on (01672) 515095.

“To our knowledge, we have artists appearing from 24 countries – and there’s probably more we don’t know about,” says Mr Fogg. “As always we’ll be electrified by the rhythms flowing from our Africa Bandstand. We are proud to announce that our growing links with Marlborough, New Zealand, will manifest themselves in the provision of a dedicated bandstand and the bar there will stock a fine selection of the quality wines for which the region has a world-wide reputation, as well as some star acts.

Old favourites returning include Gilad Atzman, Big Man Clayton, Chris Jagger, Pete Allen, the inspirational boogie-woogie pianist, Paddy Milner, the top Latino band, King Salsa and the legendary jump-jive outfit, Jive Aces.

“We reckon there’s something for every taste, but, casting that aside, one would have to urge the opportunity to see one of the greats.

“Buddy Greco began his career as the pianist in the Benny Goodman Orchestra. His recording of ‘That’s why the Lady is a Tramp’ sold over a million copies. He has won both Grammy and Emmy awards. He’s coming here straight from doing a show in the West End and he and his Las Vegas-based vocalist, Lezlie Anders, will be celebrating his long association with the immortal Peggy Lee.

All 100 bands playing over the weekend stand a chance to be nominated for the Deacon & Sons Cup for the best band of the 2010 festival.

Jazz festival line-up

Friday

6pm: Opening ceremony outside Castle and Ball Hotel performed by MP Clare Perry. St John’s School jazz band will perform.

6.45, Priory Marquee, Chris Jagger and the Atcha Band.

7pm, Fire Station, National Youth Jazz Orchestra making its first MIJF appearance with local saxophonist Sarah Allport, 12.

7.30pm, Town Hall, Jazz Parliamentary Award and BBJ Jazz Award winners the Tony Kofi Quartet.

9.30pm Brewin Dolphin Bandstand, Steve “Big man” Clayton and the Birmingham Blues Friends.

9.45pm, Priory Marquee, The Red Stripe Band.

10.15pm Town Hall, Becki Biggins and her trio.

Saturday

10.30am, Old Rope Factory, African Dance and Song Workshop with Chimanimani.

12noon, Castle and Ball Hotel, Richie Bryant All Stars.

12noon, Old Lion Court, Pete Allen jazz band.

12.30pm, Brewin Dolphin Bandstand, The Red Stripe Band.

12.30pm, New Road Bandstand, Swindon Youth Jazz Orchestra.

1pm, St Mary’s Church hall, Sixties folk legend Julie Felix.

2.30pm, New Road Bandstand, Kennet Vale Brass.

3pm, Bear Hotel, local band Instant Temple.

3pm, Priory marquee, The Jive Aces.

3.30pm, Brewin dolphin bandstand, The Joanna Eden Supergroup.

5pm, St Mary’s Church, 606 Gospel Choir.

6pm, Priory Marquee, Paddy Milner and the Big Sounds.

6pm, Old Lion Court, The Kremlinaires.

6pm, Old Rope Factory, 9pm, Ivy House Hotel, The Nicola Emmanuelle Band.

6pm, St Thomas More RC Church, Roman Catholic Jazz Mass.

9pm, New Road Bandstand, The Slaughterhouse Seven.

9pm, Priory Marquee, Robin Jones and King Salsa.

9.30pm, Town Hall, the Sarah Gillespie Trio with Gilad Atzman.

10pm, Brewin Dolphin Bandstand, Steve “Big Man” Clayton and the Birmingham Blues Friends.

10pm, Crown Hotel, The Adam Winslet Band.

11.30, Lamb Inn, The Artesian Hall Stompers.

Sunday

10am, St Mary’s Church, Festival Jazz Service.

2pm, Buddy Greco with his Trio and special guest Lezlie Anders.