Bray Jazz Festival returns for its 13th year in 2012.

The festival enjoys a reputation for showcasing contemporary musical improvisers from both at home and abroad, and this year will be no exception.

You'll notice that they've had to scale back a little on their programme in recent times- an inevitable consequence of the economic downturn and the consequent squeeze on arts funding and sponsorship opportunities.

That said, they believe that while volume might have been hit, the quality of this year's line up is as strong as ever. They are pleased of our billing as "one of the very best small jazz festivals in Europe" (courtesy of All About Jazz), and intent to live up to it again, in 2012.