A kazoo chorus is coming to Marsden

Marsden will soon be buzzing with the sound of kazoos with four kazoo workshops taking place in the village over the next two weekends.

Music fans of all ages are being encouraged to attend one of the free workshops to make a flamboyant kazoo and then join in the Marsden Jazz Festival street parade at midday on Saturday 10 October.

Artists Rachel Ellis and Dave Young will be on hand to provide all the tips and guidance needed to make your own kazoo horn that anyone will be able to play.

The workshops are among nearly 100 events taking place this October as part of the jazz festival, which is being supported by Arts Council England and Kirklees Council.

The kazoo workshops will take place between 2pm and 5pm on Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October at Marsden Parochial Hall, next to St Bartholomew’s Church and Clough Lea.

Festival Producer Barney Stevenson said:

“One of the brilliant things about the jazz festival is that it’s a real family event that’s not just about listening to great music, but taking part as well.

“The Saturday street parade is always a highlight and this year we’re encouraging festival goers to join in with their own hand-made kazoos.

“The kazoo workshops taking place over the next two weekends are free to attend you’ll leave with your very own flamboyant kazoo horn to play in the parade.

“You don’t have to contact us in advance – just turn up on the day and we’ll get you crafting a kazoo in no time.”

Internationally-acclaimed saxophonist Jean Toussaint is leading the headliners at this year’s Marsden Jazz Festival between Friday 9 and Sunday 11 October, which also includes over 70 free events.

The Saturday parade will once again be the centrepiece of the festival, led by Cumbrian street band BLAST Furness.

A moving scrap metal sculpture, the Hurly Burly, which wowed visitors at last year’s festival will also be bringing his sister, the Beast, along this year. The Hurly Burly and the Beast – a pesky dragon who can’t resist playing with the audience – have both been made by local sculptor Dave Young, who has also helped develop the horns being made at the kazoo workshops.

Most of the headline gigs will once again be taking place at the 19th century Mechanics Hall, including a performance by Caribbean-born musician Jean Toussaint on Sunday 11 October.

Other venues include three outdoor stages – the Marquee on the Bridge, the Marquee outside the Mechanics and the Bandstand in the Park, 13 pubs, clubs and bars, two cafes and one former cowshed.

More details on the kazoo workshops are available at www.marsdenjazzfestival.com/joinin

For more information visit https://www.marsdenjazzfestival.com/joinin