A jazz and blues festival is set to return to Newcastle-under-Lyme for its 19th year.

Taking place over the August Bank Holiday (Friday 28 to Monday 31 August), the Newcastle Jazz & Blues Festival will feature more than 50 live acts performing across the town centre, celebrating jazz, blues, soul, funk and acoustic music.

Organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, the festival has become one of the town's longest-running events, drawing visitors from across Staffordshire and beyond while supporting local venues, hospitality businesses and the wider town centre economy.

Charl Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: "The Jazz & Blues Festival has become a real highlight in Newcastle-under-Lyme's events calendar and we're incredibly proud to be celebrating its 19th year. The festival showcases not only fantastic musicians but also the brilliant venues in Newcastle.

"Following feedback from our businesses, we're hosting the festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend, allowing us to make the most of additional visitors and Bank Holiday Monday.

"Partnering with Independent Street and 6 Towns Radio for Castle Food & Drink Fest on the Saturday makes for an even bigger celebration and offers visitors a fantastic reason to spend the day in Newcastle-under-Lyme."

Performances across the festival will include intimate acoustic sets, blues bands, jazz ensembles and energetic live performances, with many gigs free to attend.

Venues hosting live performances include Cappello Lounge, The Boulevard, The Crows Nest, The Clubhouse and The Crossways.

The festival also extends beyond the centre, with The Greyhound and Artisan Tap in neighbouring Hartshill, alongside The Shed in May Bank joining this year's programme.

Chris Wilson, owner of The Crossways, said: "Jazz & Blues is always one of our favourite weekends of the year.

"There's such a fantastic atmosphere as people move between venues discovering new artists and enjoying everything the town has to offer. It's a brilliant event for businesses and visitors alike, and one we always look forward to."

On Saturday 29 August, the festival will join forces with Castle Food & Drink Fest, delivered in collaboration with Independent Street.

Spaces on the High Street and Ironmarket will be transformed with artisan market stalls and live entertainment from 6 Towns Radio who will host a programme of outdoor performances creating a full day of food, music and entertainment.

Full line-up details and performance times will be announced ahead of the festival.

For more information, visit the website here.