Introducing Marrakech for Jazz lovers 

Get your groove on this summer at the Montreux Jazz Festival Morocco in Marrakech, and stay in the former home of Jazz Age icon, Josephine Baker. 

The name Josephine Baker is synonymous with the age of Jazz in Europe and its connections to the Belle Epoque in Marrakech. A spin-off of one of the most famous jazz festivals in the world (the Montreux Jazz Festival in Geneva), the Moroccan take on the legendary Swiss event brings the two continents together once again through music. Running from 30 June to 15 July 2017 at the Bahia Palace in Marrakech, the Festival will feature workshops, acoustic concerts and the famous Montreux Jazz Club, all in the surrounds of the evocative Red City.  

Jazz fans wishing to fully immerse themselves in the genre should check into Riad Star. Previously part of a Royal Palace owned by the Pashah of Marrakech, the luxury riad welcomed Josephine Baker as a long staying guest in the early 1940s; now guests can marvel at Josephine memorabilia collected by the current owners, as well as dress up in some of her original outfits. Each of the riad's thirteen rooms contains individual touches and references to Josephine and the Jazz Age, from books to dresses and instruments. The boutique property has recently been extended to incorporate a cookery school and spacious courtyard. Perfect for a roaring '20s themed dinner party. 

Stay at Riad Star during the Montreux Jazz Festival from £112 per room per night, including a delicious Moroccan breakfast. For the ultimate jazz odyssey book the Josephine Room; unusually for Marrakech this suite has a window onto the street, evoking the tale that the Pashah of Marrakech paid children to sit outside Josephine's window and read to her while she was convalescing. 

About Marrakech Riad - Each Riad has a dedicated, English speaking Moroccan staff offering a complete 24/7 concierge service. Guests can expect extras such as complimentary toiletries, breakfast served at the time of their choosing, help booking restaurants and excursions and if required, the loan of a local pay-as-you-go mobile to tap into the Moroccan hosts' local know-how while out exploring. Delicious three-course Moroccan dinners can be dished up on request.

Airport transfers (15 minute drive) can be arranged on request for £15 each way (minimum two people). Regular flights are available from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Luton and Stansted with Royal Air Maroc, BA, EasyJet and Ryanair (bookable direct). Flights are also available from Manchester and Bristol with EasyJet and Liverpool with Ryanair. www.marrakech-riad.co.uk  

About the Montreux Jazz Festival – The original Montreux Jazz Festival is held on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva in Switzerland and has hosted the likes of Stan Getz, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Mingus, and Dexter Gordon since its inception in 1967. Pop and rock icons like Sting, Leonard Cohen and Prince have also performed. www.montreuxjazz.com

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For further information on Marrakech Riad, please visit www.marrakech-riad.co.uk. Media enquiries should be directed to Samantha Kirton on 0778 616 6556 or e-mail: sam@dartpr.co.uk