Hit piano trio the Neil Cowley Trio, Mancunian big band Beats & Pieces, and the incendiary improviser Matthew Bourne top the bill at this week's Lancaster Jazz Festival.

Festival directors Matt Robinson and Dave Shooter say it’s their "most ambitious, and most terrifying” to date. Taking place at a variety of venues in the centre of Lancaster the fest is now underway and runs until 22 September and highlights this year also include the Allsorts Band led by award-winning drummer Katie Patterson; the quartet Olivia’s Owls; a 'Thinking with Jazz' symposium http://www.marlbank.net/news/939-thinking-with-jazz-symposium-speakers-confirmed; Outside Line; the Eskdale Quintet; the Zoë Gilby Quartet; and Merseyside band The Moods. Venues include Lancaster Brewery, The Round, The Hall, and The Dalton Rooms.
Tickets www.lancasterjazz.com

A chandeliered garden, and newly reopened castle are part of the Lancaster charm this year
Beats & Pieces, pictured