The annual event, which has grown to be one of the most popular in the area, will go digital for the first time due to COVID-19 restrictions, which prevent any large gatherings from taking place.
Last year, the 41st annual Manly Jazz Festival, believed to be the longest running festival of its type in Australia, featured more than 100 performances spread across a wide variety of Northern Beaches' venues. The jam-packed programme included American jazz great Rodney Whitaker, Columbian-Australian performers Cumbiamuffin and musician Modesto Briseno.
While this year's performances will all be online, festival committee members said they are putting together a fabulous list of artists, with a full programme to be released soon.
In previous years, events such as this have received exposure through media and poster printing campaigns.
Northern Beaches Mayor, Michael Regan, described the Manly Jazz Festival as a highlight of the council's extensive events calendar, and said it had previously been attended by thousands of people who love jazz. He added:
“While we cannot welcome audiences to a live performance this year, we are committed to offering the best in entertainment, arts, and culture online."
Regan said it is hoped the newly introduced digital format of the event will inspire, comfort and connect people.
The Manly Jazz Festival will take place on the October Labour Day long weekend.