The weather gods smiled on us this year as far as the sunshine throughout the weekend, though unfortunately there was just a bit too much wind for the RAAF Hot Air Balloon to provide flights. They are keen to return next year and try again though!

The Jazz Breakfast in the Council Grounds proved to be a huge hit with the beautiful setting and the uplifting music. The sun came through the trees quite early, to warm the fingers of the Bellingen High School Jazz Band.

Jazz by the River in Jarrett Park went off! There was a great vibe and the excellent music and warm sunshine were soaked up by a happy, relaxed crowd.

We hope that Jarrett Park will be fully rejuvenated for next year, after the building works on the banks, as it is a major recreational facility for the town and a stunning venue for the Bellingen Jazz and Blues Festival.

Many thanks to our excellent team of volunteers, without whom the Festival would not be possible. It's amazing how much gets done by them all, to pull it all together. Thanks also to our sponsors (in no particular order) -

artsNSW, Cassegrain Wines, The Little Brewing Company, The Bellingen Courier-Sun, NBN, digJazz, The Coffs Coast Advocate, Rose Gum Timbers, 2CSFM, Country Energy and Bellingen Shire Council.

Also thanks to the venues - Bellingen Community Markets, Federal Hotel, Heritage Music, The Old Butter Factory Cafe, Dorrigo RSL, Bellingen Golf Club and Diggers Tavern.

So it was a successful year and we're already planning for our 20th Anniversary Festival next year, but one good year doesn't see our funds fully recovered from the big losses last year, so we'll ensure that there is plenty of entertainment to please everyone and pull in the crowds next year.