NARBERTH enjoyed a jubilant celebration of jazz, summer, and community. Gordon Barry reviews the triumphant fifth Narberth Jazz Garden Party:

There are summer days that slip quietly by, and there are others that reverberate with the sounds of laughter, music, and a spirit of togetherness. The fifth annual Narberth Jazz Garden Party, held at the picturesque Lampeter House on Sunday, July 20, was most assuredly one of the latter - a day when the eventual appearance of the sun and the saxophone vied for centre stage, and the lush grounds came alive with the joyous energy of jazz aficionados and newcomers alike.

The grandeur of Lampeter House, nestled in the heart of the Welsh countryside, offered the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of music and merriment. Gates opened at 2pm, welcoming guests into gardens abloom and anticipation high. A gentle breeze carried the promise of Pimm’s, and the scent of freshly cut grass mingled with the distant strains of a trumpet warming up, as attendees of all ages gathered to celebrate the enduring magic of live jazz.

The festivities kicked off with the Vic Partridge Hot Five, whose Jazz from Dixie set the tone with a spellbinding performance steeped in the golden era of jazz. Vic Partridge’s lively, toe-tapping rhythms transported listeners straight to New Orleans, where the air is thick with brass and the streets come alive after dark.

Next, the stage belonged to the dynamic duo of James Chadwick and Liz Excell. Their interpretations of beloved standards were anything but conventional—infused with playful improvisation, unexpected harmonies, and a modern twist that delighted even the most traditional jazz devotees. Their chemistry was palpable, drawing smiles from the crowd as familiar tunes found new life.

As the afternoon waned and golden hour crept in, Dom Norcross and The Numbers Racket, joined by the effervescent Elaina Hoss, electrified the audience with their infectious high energy jump jive rendations. The set was a whirlwind of swing, swagger, and spectacle, as couples danced on the grass and applause rang out long after the final notes faded.

The musical journey spanned from 3pm to 8pm, but the joy lingered well into the evening, for those who didn’t want the celebration to end. A well-stocked bar kept spirits high, and the addition of Pimm’s and light refreshments ensured no guest went wanting. The sense of community was tangible—strangers became friends over shared melodies, and every corner of the garden hummed with conversation and laughter.

The event was welcoming and inclusive, inviting both seasoned jazz fans and curious newcomers to experience the warmth of Narberth’s musical community.

Thanks to the generosity of the following donors, the raffle was both successful and interesting to all: Harriet Addyman, who donated jazz books; Great Wedlock Farm and Deer Park - Gumfreston; Folly Farm; Manor Wildlife Park; Heatherton World of Activities; Top Joe’s; and of course, huge thanks go to Julian and Mami Williams for the use of their home, Lampeter House, once again.

This year’s garden party was not just a showcase of remarkable talent but a heartfelt celebration of what makes jazz—and the community that cherishes it—so enduringly special.

As twilight settled over Lampeter House and the last guests lingered under the stars, it was clear that the spirit of Narberth Jazz remains as vibrant and inviting as ever in spite of the disappointing weather.

Here’s to many more years of rhythm, revelry, and hopefully radiant summer afternoons.

The next Narberth Jazz event will be the return of the pianist Dave Storr at the Plas Hotel on August 21. See www.narberthjazz.wales for details.