TOP musicians will be sharing the joy of jazz across Sandwell as the borough teams up with a major international festival.

The newly-renamed Birmingham, Solihull & Sandwell Jazz Festival 2017 will see around 30 performances across the borough – with libraries, museums, parks and pubs hosting events from July 14 to 23.

From homegrown UK talent including the legendary Digby Fairweather Quartet and boogie woogie pianist Emma Jonson to stars from France and Spain, there's a real mix of music.

Dymanic singer Roy Forbes, singer-songwriter Judy Blu and blues two-piece The Whiskey Brothers are among the many highlights.

Councillor Steve Eling, leader of Sandwell Council, said: “We're very excited to be teaming up with Birmingham and Solihull in this popular and well-established festival, now in its 33rd year, which attracts visitors and musicians from around the globe.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for people from Sandwell and the rest of the Black Country to enjoy jazz music on their doorstep.

“A big welcome awaits all visitors and musicians as they discover Sandwell during this fantastic festival.”

Events on Saturday, July 15, include a Ukulele Taster Session with Pete Williams at Blackheath Library from 11.30am, while Cyril et Leila Duclos is coming all the way from France to perform at Bleakhouse Library in Oldbury from 7pm.

Haden Hill Park, in Cradley Heath, will host the Sauce City Jazz Band from 2pm on Sunday, July 16, before Roy Forbes performs at Cradley Heath Library at 7pm on Wednesday, July 19, and the Old Comrades Jazz Band head to the stage at Perry Hill Tavern in Oldbury from 8.45pm the same day.

On Saturday, July 22, Pete Williams will hold a Meet The Uke session at Blackheath Library from 11.30am, while Sheila Waterfield is at the High Street library from 7pm.

For more information about the festival, visit www.facebook.com/Birminghamjazzfestival/

Festival director Jim Simpson said: “We are delighted that Sandwell has decided to become a major player in this important festival.

“Libraries, museums and parks across the borough have played an increasingly significant part in staging performances that have entertained residents and visitors alike.

“It was a logical next step for Sandwell to become fully involved.”