INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed singer Curtis Stigers will be headlining this year's Wigan International Jazz Festival.

Stigers, who is best know for his 1991 hit “I Wonder Why” which reached number five in the UK and number 9 in the United States, will be joined by The Ronnie Scott Big Band and other huge names in the world of jazz including, James Morrison, Champion Fulton, Scott Hamilton, Jeremy Sassoon’s “Ray Charles Project” and the Wigan Youth Jazz line-up of artists

And this year the festival will be will enjoy hot sultry weather more suited to the of the home of Jazz, New Orleans — with organisers saying there will be no better place to to be this week that in neighbouring Wigan —where its festival has established a great reputation for its music and also its friendliness.

The event runs from tonight until July 15.

Organisers ‘The Music Continuum’ said they are really pleased with public response to the line-up of artists.

Co-founder of the event Ian Darrington said: “Each year we work hard to make sure that the programme offers value for money with something for everyone, it’s a family event with free admission for children under-12 and we have even organised a special schools concert on Friday afternoon.

"Based on ticket sales to date and the response of our regular attendees I have a feeling that this festival could prove to be one of the best, if not the best in its 33 year history.”

The festival takes place at at Robin Park Indoor Sports Centre.

Wigan Jazz Club, which meets regularly is listed among the top 50 jazz venues in the UK

The 2018 Wigan International Jazz Festival is sponsored by Manchester Airport, Edge Hill University, Hull Jady, Wigan Jazz Club, Stephenson’s, Liverpooljazz, Costco, DFC, Acton Garage, Gallimores, IHL, Wigan Council.

Full details of the Festival are available on the website www.wiganjazzfest.co.uk with tickets available from www.justaddtickets.co.uk