Jazz Weekend Breaks 2015
Jazz Weekend Breaks 2015
Mercure Shrewsbury
Albrighton Hall Hotel & Spa
We are delighted to announce this year’s Jazz Weekend Breaks programme. Join us for
a season of swinging music, all set against the stunning backdrop of individually styled
Mercure hotels.
17th–20th April 2015
A word from
your hosts
Nestled beside an ornamental lake and set in 15 acres of gardens, this exquisite country house hotel
offers relaxation in the heart of Shropshire. The terrace lounge and bar, indoor pool, sauna and steam
room are all available for your use. Close by you will find the city of Chester, the Severn Valley steam
railway and the park-and-ride to the medieval town of Shrewsbury.
“We’ve been organising residential jazz weekends for
over 25 years and this is our fifth consecutive year
with Mercure hotels. We’re confident you’ll love the
programme of amazing jazz music we’ve got lined up.
“Whether you’re joining us for the first time or are
an experienced jazz weekender, we’ll keep you fully
entertained with truly sparkling musical ensembles.
“You’ll enjoy a full programme of jazz including
our band plus special star guests. In addition,
each weekend will feature two nationally famous
UK traditional jazz bands, each one chosen for
their combination of musical skills and excellent
entertainment value.
“We hope you’re as excited as we are about the
forthcoming programme and look forward to
welcoming you to a jazz weekend soon!”
Denise and Tony Lawrence
THE VENUES
Every Mercure hotel is different. From authentic
and locally inspired designs to our commitment to
quality and customer service, we offer everything
you need for a truly unique break. You will also
enjoy fine dining from dinner on Friday all the way
through to breakfast on Monday morning, as well
as free parking for the duration of your stay.
We will host you in one of our hotels, especially
selected for their locations. There is plenty to do
and see, all within easy walking or driving distance.
However you choose to spend your days, we will
welcome you home each evening with some of
the best jazz being played on the circuit today.
Jazz package
Our jazz packages include:
• three nights’ accommodation
• dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• breakfast on Saturday, Sunday and Monday
• jazz entertainment each evening
• free parking
from £199 per person
To book please call 0871 663 0627 or contact the hotel directly, alternatively you
can visit mercurehotelsdeals.com/jazzbreaks.
mercurehotelsdeals.com/jazzbreaks
The programme
Friday 17th April
Sunday 19th April
8.30pm to 9.30pm:
THE PHOENIX JAZZMEN
Traditional jazz at its very best, played by one of
the Midlands’ finest and most recently formed
jazz bands.
8.30pm to 9.30pm:
THE ANNIE HAWKINS JAZZMEN
The legendary Australian bass player brings her
celebrated New Orleans band for a superb finale
to our weekend.
9.40pm to 10.10pm:
DENISE & TONY LAWRENCE
Music and song from your hosts.
9.40pm to 10.10pm:
DENISE & TONY LAWRENCE
10.15pm to 11.15pm:
THE PHOENIX JAZZMEN
Saturday 18th April
8.30pm to 9.30pm:
KEVIN GRENFELL’S JAZZ GIANTS
with MATT PALMER
A sensational band featuring world-class trombonist,
Kevin with brilliant clarinettist Matt Palmer.
9.40pm to 10.10pm:
DENISE & TONY LAWRENCE
10.15pm to 11.15pm:
KEVIN GRENFELL’S JAZZ GIANTS
with MATT PALMER
10.15pm to 11.15pm:
THE ANNIE HAWKINS JAZZMEN
Monday 20th April
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and depart at your leisure.
Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall
Hotel & Spa
Ellesmere Road, Albrighton Shrewsbury SY4 3AG
• Ballroom with large dancefloor
£215 per person
£20 single supplement per night for
double/twin room occupancy
T: 01939 291000
Mercure
Windsor Castle Hotel
Mercure BANBURY
WHATELY HALL HOTEL
1st–4th May 2015
17th–20th July 2015
Enjoy a luxurious stay in Windsor’s finest hotel. Set in a dream location opposite Windsor Castle the hotel
is right in the centre of this historic and fascinating town. Spend your days taking a leisurely stroll in the
riverside gardens, shopping or taking a scenic riverboat trip.
Set in beautiful gardens in a prime location at Banbury Cross, historic Whately Hall Hotel dates from
1632. Retaining many original features such as hidden staircases, stone fireplaces and priest holes, it
was here that Jonathan Swift wrote Gulliver’s Travels. During the day, why not stroll into the fascinating
pedestrianised town centre opposite and visit Castle Quays beside the Oxford Canal towpath. Nearby,
explore the Cotswolds, Stratford, Broughton Castle, Blenheim Palace or Warwick Castle.
The programme
The programme
Friday 1st May
Sunday 3rd May
Friday 17th July
Sunday 19th July
8.30pm to 9.30pm:
THE DART VALLEY STOMPERS
High-octane traditional jazz from one of the most
popular bands here in the UK and across Europe.
8.30pm to 9.30pm and 10pm to 11pm:
THE DENISE LAWRENCE BAND
with RON DRAKE
International star clarinettist Ron Drake joins
Denise’s fine ensemble with music and song
from the classic jazz era.
8.30pm to 9.30pm:
MATT PALMER’S MILLENNIUM EAGLE
JAZZ BAND
An evening in the company of one of this country’s
most popular and exciting Dixieland bands.
8.30pm to 9.30pm:
THE DENISE LAWRENCE BAND
with RON DRAKE
The songstress entertains in her unique
spontaneous way – assisted by her distinguished
band plus clarinet virtuoso Ron Drake.
9.40pm to 10.10pm:
DENISE & TONY LAWRENCE
Music and song from your hosts.
10.15pm to 11.15pm:
THE DART VALLEY STOMPERS
Monday 4th May
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and depart at
your leisure.
Saturday 2nd May
Mercure Windsor Castle Hotel
9.40pm to 10.10pm:
DENISE & TONY LAWRENCE
•F
amous Windsor Suite ballroom
with large dancefloor
18 High Street, Windsor SL4 1LJ
£225 per person
£20 single supplement per night for
double/twin room occupancy
T: 01753 252800
mercurehotelsdeals.com/jazzbreaks
10.15pm to 11.15pm:
MATT PALMER’S MILLENNIUM EAGLE
JAZZ BAND
10.10pm to 11pm:
THE DENISE LAWRENCE BAND
with RON DRAKE
Monday 20th July
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and depart at your leisure.
Saturday 18th July
8.30pm to 9.30pm:
LAURIE CHESCOE’S REUNION BAND
A sensational band formed from the ranks
of the finest traditional jazz players around.
10.15pm to 11.15pm:
LAURIE CHESCOE’S REUNION BAND
9.40pm to 10.10pm:
DENISE & TONY LAWRENCE
Music and song from your hosts.
8.30pm to 9.30pm:
DAVE STRADWICK’S SUSSEX JAZZ KINGS
The authentic sound of New Orleans jazz played
by six fine musicians dedicated to the cause.
9.40pm to 10.10pm:
DENISE & TONY LAWRENCE
10.15pm to 11.15pm:
DAVE STRADWICK’S SUSSEX JAZZ KINGS
Mercure Banbury Whately Hall Hotel
17-19 Horse Fair, Banbury Cross
Banbury OX16 0AN
• Oak-panelled restaurant with
small dancefloor
£199 per person
No single supplement
T: 01295 253261
Mercure Cheltenham
Queen’s Hotel
Mercure Stratford-uponAvon Shakespeare Hotel
4th–7th September 2015
16th–19th October 2015
The epitome of fine hotels, the imposing Mercure Cheltenham Queen’s Hotel offers splendid food and
every comfort in an unrivalled location on the town’s famous Promenade. During the day, you’ll be in the
perfect place to relax in the Imperial Gardens opposite the hotel, or explore the delights of this enchanting
regency town and nearby Cotswold countryside.
Mercure Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Hotel is one of Stratford’s most famous and picturesque
buildings. You will enjoy outstanding cuisine and stay in stylish, individually named rooms. Keep busy
during the day with nearby attractions such as the riverside walks and fascinating shops, as well as
Ann Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary Arden’s House and the Heritage Motor Centre.
The programme
The programme
Friday 4th September
Sunday 6th September
Friday 16th October
Sunday 18th October
8.30pm to 9.30pm:
SLIDE BY SLIDE
A hugely entertaining jazz ensemble led by master
trombonists Richard Leach and Kevin Grenfell.
8.30pm to 9.30pm and 10pm to 11pm:
THE DENISE LAWRENCE BAND
with MATT PALMER
Matt’s delightful clarinet playing complements
Denise’s lovely vocals and her accomplished band.
8.30pm to 9.30pm:
RANCE’S ROCKIN’ CHAIR BAND
A welcome breath of fresh air on the jazz scene:
often amusing – always entertaining.
8.30pm to 9.30pm and 10pm to 11pm:
THE DENISE LAWRENCE BAND
with GEORGE HUXLEY
The charismatic songstress leads her fine
band with the help of Europe’s soprano king –
good-time George!
9.40pm to 10.10pm:
DENISE & TONY LAWRENCE
Music and song from your hosts.
10.15pm to 11.15pm:
SLIDE BY SLIDE
Monday 7th September
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and depart at
your leisure.
9.40pm to 10.10pm:
DENISE & TONY LAWRENCE
Music and song from your hosts.
10.15pm to 11.15pm:
RANCE’S ROCKIN’ CHAIR BAND
Saturday 5th September
Saturday 17th October
8.30pm to 9.30pm:
TERRY WILLIAMS’ AMBASSADORS OF JAZZ
An exciting and passionate band of six very
talented and entertaining jazz musicians.
8.30pm to 9.30pm:
THE MARTINIQUE JAZZ BAND
One of the Midlands’ most popular and
professional traditional jazz and swing ensembles.
Mercure Cheltenham Queen’s Hotel
9.40pm to 10.10pm:
DENISE & TONY LAWRENCE
The Promenade, Cheltenham GL50 1NN
10.15pm to 11.15pm:
TERRY WILLIAMS’ AMBASSADORS OF JAZZ
£215 per person
mercurehotelsdeals.com/jazzbreaks
• Small dancefloor
9.40pm to 10.10pm:
DENISE & TONY LAWRENCE
10.15pm to 11.15pm:
THE MARTINIQUE JAZZ BAND
Monday 19th October
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and depart at
your leisure.
Mercure Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare Hotel
Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6ER
• No dancefloor
£220 per person
No single supplement
£20 single supplement per night for
double/twin room occupancy
T: 01242 307800
T: 01789 294997
Mercure
Windsor Castle Hotel
6th–9th November 2015
Enjoy a luxurious stay in Windsor’s finest hotel. Set in a dream location opposite Windsor Castle the
hotel is right in the centre of this historic and fascinating town. Spend your days taking a leisurely stroll
in the riverside gardens or Christmas shopping.
The programme
Friday 6th November
Sunday 8th November
8.30pm to 9.30pm:
GRAEME HEWITT’S HIGH SOCIETY JAZZ BAND
Returning to the Castle by public demand with their
compelling take on your traditional jazz favourites.
8.30pm to 9.30pm and 10pm to 11pm:
THE DENISE LAWRENCE BAND
with RON DRAKE
Beautiful jazz, ballads and blues from this
spectacular band featuring clarinet and sax
virtuoso Ron Drake.
9.40pm to 10.10pm:
DENISE & TONY LAWRENCE
Music and song from your hosts.
10.15pm to 11.15pm:
GRAEME HEWITT’S HIGH SOCIETY JAZZ BAND
Monday 9th November
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and depart at
your leisure.
Saturday 7th November
8.30pm to 9.30pm:
THE SUSSEX JAZZ KINGS
Relax and enjoy the irresistible music of authentic
New Orleans jazz played by the experts.
Mercure Windsor Castle Hotel
9.40pm to 10.10pm:
DENISE & TONY LAWRENCE
• Famous Windsor Suite ballroom with
large dancefloor
10.15pm to 11.15pm:
THE SUSSEX JAZZ KINGS
18 High Street, Windsor SL4 1LJ
£225 per person
£20 single supplement per night for
double/twin room occupancy
T: 01753 252800
mercurehotelsdeals.com/jazzbreaks