THE Wagga Jazz and Blues Festival promises to be one of the best in recent memory.
Despite early fears the festival may not go ahead due to a lack of support, a number of sponsors have since jumped on board and secured Jazz's short-term future in Wagga.
The musical extravaganza starts tomorrow night with the official opening and a performance by the Australian Army Band Kapooka.
After a few stressful weeks, festival president Mick McCall was just looking forward to getting into the music.
"A lot of festivals around Australia are no longer around so I'm just glad we're still alive," he said.
"What I'm really looking forward to is taking off my administrative hat and getting the bass out of its case and playing some good music."
The festival continues on Saturday with a huge market day.
Fitzmaurice Street will be shut down between 7am and 4pm for the Muddy Markets before a street parade proceeds down Fitzmaurice Street and Baylis Street.
More than 50 bands are expected to perform over the three days and thousands of people will descend on the city to catch a glimpse of their favourite musicians.
Information on tickets and performances are available from the Wagga Tourist Information Centre on Tarcutta Street or phone 1300 100 122.
