A Fond Farewell to Alec Sykes
Founder in 1987 of Wakefield Jazz Club
Sadly died in Pinderfields Hospital on Tuesday Morning of Covid related Pneumonia. We miss him so much but the music goes on… – Faith Sykes
Alec Sykes
08.09.37 to 03.11.20
Together with his wife Faith, Alec nurtured Wakefield Jazz from 1987 to 2004, at which time the club was awarded the first ever Parliamentary Jazz Award for Best Venue, an accolade he richly deserved.
Starting with local musicians, he expanded into bringing people up from London. After achieving a National Lottery grant to purchase a Grand Piano, he felt emboldened to also feature world class pianists, bringing great pleasure to his loyal audience.
Alec had a very special relationship with the musicians that he booked – many of whom stayed overnight at his home. Several of these are still returning to Wakefield, as some of the biggest names in the jazz world, and generally took the opportunity to fit in a visit to Alec and Faith.
– Wakefield Jazz
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Wakefield Jazz Update 21 Nov 2020
We had decided to promote the first four gigs of the new season and review the situation after these had taken place. The standard of musicianship in each of the gigs was truly outstanding and was thoroughly and audibly appreciated by those who were fortunate enough to be in attendance.
However, audiences have not been sizeable, and with the new Tiers and national regulation changes, we have decided to cancel most of the upcoming season.
We had hoped to have a gig before Christmas, a duo of Dave Newton – but have come to the conclusion that even if the lockdown ends on 2 December there will not be enough time to get the gig up and running.
We are now working to start next season’s Friday gigs, mid January (covid willing), with the best of local musicians and a reduced entrance fee.
Keep an eye on the website, register for the newsletter, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter to find out more.
Thanks to all audience, volunteers and musicians for your ongoing support.
Advance Tickets only must be purchased through this website on each event page, or from our Gig Tickets page.
Doors open at 6:30 pm; music starts at 7:30 pm and we finish at 10 pm* (See gigs for additional support band start times).
Concessions: We offer a reduction of £1 for people who are of “bus pass” age, or those in receipt of state benefits, and a student or under 25’s discount of 50% of the full entry fee. Children under the age of 15 are admitted free except for “all ticket” gigs. Facilities for the disabled, wheelchair access by arrangement. If you would be willing to complete our feedback survey, please click here.
Please view and/or download our COVID-19 guidance notes for our events:
(View here or download Word doc or PDF)
Click on images for more information or to buy tickets. See what you just missed by clicking here.
Buy tickets online, or on the door (except all ticket gigs, when indicated). Changes to band members, from those originally listed in paper programme, are coloured orange.
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Autumn 2020
Buy tickets on gig pages or see all tickets here
Available gigs will be shown below, once they are listed
Coming soon:
Dave Newton and Liz Fletcher
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* DCMS STATEMENT
“From Thursday 23 September businesses selling food or drink (including cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants), social clubs, casinos, bowling alleys, amusement arcades (and other indoor leisure centres or facilities), funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls will be mandated to close from 10pm. Guidance will make it clear that cinemas, theatres and concert halls can continue beyond 10pm but only if the performance started before 10pm and alcohol cannot be served after 10pm.”
