Labour weekend is a blast! Big Bands from all over New Zealand and the USA gather in central Christchurch to play Big Band style jazz! Sixty scheduled performances featuring 30 bands in seven central locations.

Most performances are free – you'll find free outdoor performances at Riverside Market, the Arts Centre, The Church Pub, Fat Eddies, A Rolling Stone and Hagley Park Archery Lawn. There are a few ticketed events such as the Rodger Fox Big Band Gala concert with special guests, the Swing Boogie Ball, and workshops.

The Big Band sound is vibrant toe-tapping music with about 18 performers including saxophones, trumpets, trombones, plus a rhythm section and vocalist to drive it along. Big Band music can be anything from traditional 1920's jazz of Louis Armstrong through swing era music of Glen Miller to modern pop and funk... there's something for everyone who loves a bit of swing and funk style big band jazz.