The 26^th Birmingham International Jazz and Blues Festival kicked off in inimitable style this morning, showcasing several of the acts that will be performing across the city over the next ten days. Invited guests to the Hotel du Vin launch were greeted on arrival by the New Orleans Jump Band, who may have been in Marbella just a few hours earlier but were now firmly ensconced on Church Street, Birmingham. After speeches by Cllr Martin Mullaney (who reminded us that Birmingham already is the City of Culture), John James and festival patron Digby Fairweather, guests were treated to a succession of festival artists all superbly supported by France’s Pat Giraud Trio. Georgian bluesman Chick ‘Stoop Down’ Willis kicked proceedings off, followed by Mr King Pleasure himself and Tipitina’s Debbie Jones. Digby Fairweather, a huge supporter of the festival, was there throughout with his usual wonderful horn playing. On the strength of this morning’s launch, this is clearly going to be a festival to remember.