HUNDREDS of musicians from across the UK will converge on the North-East next week for one of the biggest jazz festivals in the country.

The Great North Big Band Jazz Festival is returning to the University of Sunderland for the 11th successive year from Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2.

It is estimated that over its 11 years the festival has attracted 200 bands, with more than 4,000 performers playing to well over 10,000 people on the banks of the Wear.

Based at the North Shore bar at the university’s St Peter’s Campus, the festival is now the largest big Big Band Festival in the UK held under one roof.

Performers this year will include Paul Jones, a virtuoso saxophonist with the BBC Big Band who has worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Mick Donnelly, who has worked with Stevie Wonder, Barry White, Britney Spears and the Bee Gees.

Festival director Bill Watson said: “Year on year we have been successful in extending the reach of The Great North Big Band Jazz Festival well beyond the north of England.

“With bands coming to Sunderland from as far afield as Cardiff it’s fair to claim that the Festival has a national profile.

“This year with support from the University of Sunderland and the Sir James Knott Trust we have been able to give Sunderland youngsters the opportunity to participate in a series of free professionally tutored jazz workshops, with the most promising performing at The Great North Big Band Jazz Festival.”

Daily admission is £8, children under 16 years free, and are available at the door on the night.

Free parking is available at the venue as well as a licensed bar and food.