A Wiltshire-based Gypsy Jazz band living and travelling on traditional narrowboats on the Kennet and Avon Canal are playing at a beer festival at Avoncliff next weekend.

The Water Gypsies are playing at the Cross Guns Beer Festival in Avoncliff on Saturday, October 28 from 8pm.

The band only formed 12 months ago but in that time have already performed at many local events including Velo Vintage, Bath Folk Festival and the Upton Jazz Festival.

They have just released their first EP, Caravan, which was recorded live and in most cases on the first take by The Water Gypsies on a boat moored on the Kennet and Avon Canal; indeed Caravan was the first time the band played the tune together.

Born out of a chance meeting at a gypsy jazz jamming session in Bradford on Avon, The Water Gypsies play the music of Django Reinhardt in their own joyful and exuberant style.

Their combined talents are formidable, with the band members all having performed in the UK and across Europe.

The band comprises Tim Petherick on lead guitar, Gina Griffin on the violin, ‘Nipper’ Lewis on rhythm guitar and vocals, and Ian Turner on bass.

The band are currently performing at many venues and festivals around the South West, building a following of loyal fans with their high energy gypsy jazz.

Find out more at their website www.thewatergypsiesband.wordpress.com