The Barbican will soon be filled with the smooth sounds of summer as the Ocean City Blues ‘n’ Jazz Festival returns.
Run by Plymouth City Council, the event will take place on The Parade from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 August 2021. The festival starts at 12 noon each day, running until 10pm on Friday and Saturday and 6pm on Sunday.
The line-up includes a great range of musical genres, from foot stomping blues to soulful rock, acoustic soloists to the diverse rhythms of Latin jazz.
Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing back the Ocean City Blues ‘n’ Jazz Festival this year. It’s always such a popular event and a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy some of the region’s best musicians – completely for free – while soaking up the beautiful surroundings of the Barbican.”
The event is being sponsored by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership (PWP), which runs the city’s waterfront Business Improvement District.
Diane Mansell, Chief Executive of PWP, said: “After an incredibly tough year, our businesses need your support now more than ever, and what a great way to experience everything the waterfront has to offer. Come on down for a great day out and enjoy a drink or food from one of our great pubs, bars or eateries.”
Here’s the full festival line-up:
Friday 6 August
12pm – Jon Walsh
1.15pm – The Martin Dale Latin Quartet
2.30pm – Andy Quick (solo)
3.45pm – Vince Lee & The Big Combo
5pm – Adam Sweet Band
6.30pm – Gozer Goodspeed & The Neon Gamblers
7.45pm – Joanna Cooke
9pm – Smokey’s King Shufflers
Saturday 7 August
12pm – Caddick and Parkes
1.15pm – The Sultans
2.30pm – Liam Ward & Malcolm Thorne
3.45pm – Jessica and the Rabbits
5pm – Geoff Carne
6.30pm – Neil May Quartet
7.45pm – Tailfin
9pm – Benny Guitar Carr
Sunday 8 August
12pm – Orpheus Latin Jazz
1.15pm – Jeff ‘the horse’ Horsey
2.30pm – Blacktop Deluxe/Keith Howe
3.45pm – Bad Knees Blues Band
5pm – The Sam Kennedy Trio
The event takes place outside, but visitors are reminded that they can take steps to keep themselves and others safe by taking regular lateral flow tests and wearing face masks in indoor spaces (like inside pubs or bars). Many businesses have kept Covid-19 safety restrictions in place, so please respect their rules.
For more information, please see: visitplymouth.co.uk.