The jubilee edition of the festival in this remote western Slovenian town, the first one without its co-founder and key driving force Boštjan Cvek, who passed away in January, will be opened by the Slovenian big band GveriLLaz.

Also taking the stage will be Long Distance Journey, led by Slovenian trumpeter Igor Matković and featuring Polish pianist Marcin Wasilewski, as well as pianists Alexander von Schlippenbach from Germany and Aki Takase from Japan.

The Cerkno Jubileum orchestra will start the second day, followed by a trio featuring Canadians Francois Carrier and Michel Lambert on saxophone and drums and British double bass player John Edwards. Acclaimed US guitarist Marc Ribot and his Ceramic Dog band will close the evening.

A very enticing lineup is also announced for Saturday, starting with the Franco-British improvisational trio Sophy Agnel, John Edwards, Steve Noble.

To follow is a performance by Japanese sax player Akira Sakata, Norwegian drummer Paul Nilssen Love and Swedish double bass player Johan Bertlhinh, while the festival will culminate with a concert by the Dutch avant rockers the Ex featuring the two esteemed US musicians.

The accompanying programme includes street performances by the Cerkno brass band and the local Kar Češ Brass Band, an exhibition on the history of the festival, a panel on the work of creative musicians and workshops.