THE Leytonstone Festival kicks off this week and there's a mouth-watering platter of live music on offer.

There's everything from jazz, folk, rock to some boombastic big band.

Each year it gets bigger and better, and this time it's lasting eleven days (between July 12 and 22).

First up is acoustic act Rye at the North Star pub in Browning Road on the opening day (Thursday July 12).

The show starts at 8.30pm with support and is free to get in.

Then on Saturday evening (July 19) there's a free Battle of the Bands competition at the Red Lion in the High Road – exact times to be confirmed.

There's also a performance the same day from the John Ongom Big Band and Singers at the Heathcote from 8.30pm. It's also free.

Meanwhile local promoters What's Cookin' are also getting in on the act, with a slew of artists playing at the Birkbeck Tavern in Langthorne Road.

They include bebop jazz with the Alan Weekes Combo on Friday (July 13), folk/country band I See Hawks in LA, The Snakes and Crankshaft on Saturday (July 14) and Eric Brace and Peter Cooper on Wednesday (July 18).

All the shows are free entry (except for the jazz night - £4.50p) and start from around 8pm.

I See Hawks are also doing an acoustic show in the pub's garden on Sunday afternoon (July 15) with guests from 4pm.

Unfortunately there's not enough space to list everything that's going on, so make sure you check out www.leytonstonefestival.org.uk for the full line-up.

Meanwhile up in Essex, duo Blue Harbour play Loughton Folk Club this Thursday (July 12).

Previously advertised act Simon Oliver has had to cancel due to illness.

Entry to the gig is £3 and it's at the Loughton Club in Station Road.

Doors at 8pm.

The Bad Mamas headline the Artisan Music Venue in Chingford this Friday night (July 13).

Support comes from Superhero Imposters Tickets are £6 on the door, or £5 with a band flyer.

Show starts at 8pm.

Solstice perform at E17 Jazz's night at Walthamstow Cricket Club next Wednesday (July 18).

This six piece play a mix of contemporary-sounding original pieces.

The show, at the club in Greenway Avenye, is from 8.30pm and entry is £5.

Waltham Abbey Folk Club, in Brooker Road, has a singaround jam night on Monday (July 16).

It costs £1.50p and begins at 8.30pm.

Got a gig? Email dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk

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