The Valamar Jazz Festival (June 20th- 24th) does, it has to be said, look very nice indeed. It’s the third annual festival in the coastal town/ holiday resort of Poreč on the Istrian peninsula. The main location is the islet in the harbour of Sveti Nikola, looking back at the harbour-front. The organizers also use the atrium of the Euphrasian Basilica, parts of which are from the fifth century. Richard Galliano played there last year, and this year it will be Ralph Towner.

Artists confirmed for the main venue are: Enrico Rava, Joey Calderazzo, Cæcilie Norby, Hugh Masekela and Fred Wesley. Artistic director of the festival is the singer Tamara Obrovac who hails from down the coast in Pula, a town with a fabulous Roman amphitheatre. Lie back and think of Istria. Yes. It suddenly feels like summer’s here!

Valamar Jazz Festival