On the 1st of June, the Wellington Girls' College and Wellington College Combined Big Band and 1867 Combo travelled to Palmerston North to perform at the Manawatū International Jazz & Blues Festival 2024. The WGC and WC Combined Big Band performed last in the big band session and the 1867 Combo performed second in the combo session. The jazz bands perform at only two jazz festivals throughout the year so the Manawatū Jazz Festival is highly anticipated by the students. Hasini Perera and Greer Castle attended from WGC. Greer said “It is a great learning experience as we are able to get feedback on what we have been working on and it is a great environment to practise performing to people." 

This year's festival was significant as one of the event organisers, Rodger Fox, passed away days prior. Many students looked up to Rodger Fox, a New Zealand jazz icon, and appreciated the opportunity to come together to remember him at the tribute concert that was held. 

Both groups received great results from the weekend, with the Big Band performing well and the 1867 Combo winning best combo of the festival. Greer Castle won best vocalist for the second year in a row, while Josh Kerr won best saxophone player and best musician, Patrick Jones won best drummer, Reilly Blennerhassett won best bassist, and Duncan Blennerhassett won best trombonist.

Overall this festival was a great opportunity for students to learn and bond with other musicians from around the country!