Langtoun Jazz Festival to go virtual with online performances

The festival, scheduled for late June, was one of the many casualties of the pandemic.

Now organisers say that many performers have jumped at the chance to revive the cancelled June festival in virtual form as Langtoun Jazz Festival at Home.

Secretary Grace Black said: “We were aware of a few festivals presenting a version of their programmes online and wanted to offer the bands we had booked a chance to perform for the Fife audience.

“We are delighted that almost a dozen of the acts booked for the festival are recording performances for us.

“In fact the event has grown far beyond the original programme and more than 30 artists are now going to take part – bands who have played at festivals and fundraisers in the past and staunch supporters of the festival.

“Full details revealed soon on Langtoun Jazz Facebook page.”

Final touches are still being made to the programme, but the intention is to follow as closely as possible the original festival timetable.

Performances will be broadcast between 7pm and 10pm on the evenings of Thursday, June 25 and Friday, June 26, with two sessions each on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 between noon and 4pm.

There will also be a broadcast between 6pm and 10pm. The performances will be broadcast on Facebook and YouTube, with information also appearing on Instagram.

The festival had planned to raise funds for Kirkcaldy Food Bank at a Jazz Picnic on the Sunday afternoon and plans were in place for volunteers to collect at all performances.

Festival organisers say they are delighted that most of the bands are willing to forego payment for their performances, instead encouraging audiences to donate to the food bank.

Donation links will appear on the broadcasts for viewers to make a contribution.

K107fm Community Radio has welcomed the plans and is aiming to broadcast part of the festival over the weekend on their website and on air.

John Murray, chair of the station, said: “As both the only truly independent FM station in Fife, and with regular jazz programming, K107fm is delighted to support the Langtoun Jazz Festival at Home.”

“We look forward to announcing more details with the organisers of the event very soon.”