Just when you thought the amazing Jazz a Juan festival couldn't get any better, news comes that the music event will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, in 2010 - making it the longest running jazz festival in Europe.

And it's not hard to see why the festival is so popular. With previous performances from stars including Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Jeff Beck and Miles Davis, Jazz à Juan has long been known as the prestigious but fun event where musicians can perform the music that made them famous. With the astounding success of this year's festival, organisers are already getting a head start on organising the big event next year, and think they have what it takes to make it the best ever. Stephen Liney from Jazz à Juan explained: "Despite the current economic climate it's great to see that our fans are as passionate as ever about our festival. We managed to surpass attendancy for our 2008 edition, which was partly due to getting the music mix just right; New Orleans, classic & contemporary jazz, rock guitar, British soul and Gospel. People need to have fun and with a competitive ticketing policy for all budgets and 49 years experience in organising this event we have the key to our success."

Next year, the organisers are keen to pay tribute to some of the musical legends and icons that have helped increase the popularity of the festival over the past 50 years, and will also put a lot of emphasis on helping to train promising young jazz musicians with their Master Class Series, where the young bloomers will be tutored by a major international jazz musician. The winner of the 10 day competition will go on to represent France in the annual International Jazz Revelations competition.

Stephen went on to explain: "Other events will take place from May to August 2010, including art exhibitions, jazz parades, conferences, film projections, new generation music concerts and our main festival which will last for 10 days in July. We have some very special musicians and surprises in store; Antibes Juan-les-Pins will have to be considered as the European Jazz Capital throughout 2010. It's truly an event not to be missed!"

Keep checking FR2DAY for the latest news on Jazz a Juan.

All photos in this feature are from Jazz à Juan 2009 and were taken by Yannick Seuret