The London Jazz Festival is to return this month, with a stellar line-up of artists set to perform in locations across the capital.

The Barbican is among the main venues preparing to host all kinds of jazz-related events over the two week extravaganza, which is to include a mammoth 250 gigs in its 20th year.

Organised in association with BBC Radio 3, the London Jazz Festival has cemented its reputation as one of the most diverse celebrations of the genre in the world, with more than 30 gigs set to be put on across different venues each night.

Many of these gigs are to take place in East London, with Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, and Shoreditch’s Village Underground all hosting events.

The Barbican is set to play a prominent role during the nine-day festival, with more than 50 gigs and events scheduled to be held there.

Artists appearing include Macy Gray, Grammy award-winning singer Patti Austin , acclaimed pianist Neil Cowley and Irish singer Imelda May.

Festival director John Cumming admitted he was excited by the opportunity to bring musicians from different generations and musical backgrounds together during the festival.

He said: “This year combines many of jazz’s key movers and shakers from the last 50 years with charismatic new faces, alongside an exceptionally strong European programme.”

On top of the concerts scheduled a range of films and workshops have also been added to the Barbican line-up, including seminal jazz film The Connection, made in 1962.

There is also set to be screenings of concerts by legendary jazz and blues artists including T-Bone Walker, Howling Wolf, Louis Armstrong and John Coltrane.

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, vocal workshops are available, with Basement Jaxx singer among those on hand to lead a sing along.

The festival runs from Friday, November 9 until Sunday, November 18. For more information, listings and tickets visit www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk.