Where: Cheltenham (various venues)

When: Wednesday, May 2, to Monday, May 7

The countdown is on to this year's Cheltenham Jazz Festival, with just three weeks to go until the return of the world-renowned six-day event.

The ...around town programme offers 80+ free gigs from a range of up-and-coming and established artists in Cambray Place, the Brewery Quarter and at the Festival Village.

There will be pop up street performances, evening shows to discover new jazz and music to dance the night away. And more than 70 local businesses, including Festival Partners, Festival Champions, food traders, venues and production companies will get behind the Festival.

Children and families can get involved in the Yamaha Discovery Space and the hugely popular morning Jazz It Up sessions on the Free Stage (Saturday-Monday) will feature the best of Gloucestershire school and county jazz bands.

Kicking off on Wednesday, May 2, this year's festival will host a formidable line-up including Corinne Bailey Rae, Kamasi Washington, Rick Astley with the Ronnie Scott's Big Band and Courtney Pine.

Tower of Power will play a special 50th anniversary concert, while other names to appear include Jordan Rakei, Fela Kuti's youngest son Seun Kuti & Egypt 90.

Best-selling classical violinist Nigel Kennedy performs a programme featuring J.S. Bach and George Gershwin.

For full details of events, see the Cheltenham Festivals website.