Jacqui Dankworth

Leading jazz singer Jacqui Dankworth will be among the acts as the Highgate Jazz Festival returns this weekend.

The festival, which is into its second year, takes place over three days at four venues, with each night culminating in a jam session until the early hours at The Caipirnha, Archway Road.

The organiser, Australian sax player Brandon Allen, who lives in Highgate, said: “Last year the turnout was far more than we expected, so I thought we had to do it again. We have more venues on board and there will be shows in the four corners of Highgate.

“The reaction and response from people who attended last year showed there is definitely an appetite for us to build the festival and we want to make it an annual event.”

Dankworth, daughter of the late Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine, will be joined by Charlie Wood and Chris Allard for her Saturday gig at The Bull.

The weekend will also see the Gareth Williams Power Trio perform at Lauderdale House and flautist Gareth Lockrane’s Grooveyard play the Old Crown.

Performances and jam sessions take place from 3pm until 3am each day. Day passes are £22.50 for Saturday, £25 for Sunday and Monday and £65 for entry to all events. Visit www.brandonallen.co.uk.