The festival sold 18,000 tickets in 2005

The programme will include music in tribute to the jazz city, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The festival has also announced a six-figure sponsorship deal and that it will be known as HSBC Brecon Jazz 2006.

Stars confirmed for 11-13 August event include veteran pianist Stan Tracey, Courtney Pine and US star Benny Golson.

More than 70,000 people are expected in the Powys town for the 23rd annual weekend event.

Vocalist George Melly, a long time supporter of the event, helped launch the festival at the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday.

He will also perform at the festival, with other names so far confirmed including US tenor sax players Golson and Johnny Griffin, as well as British stars from different eras - Tracey and Pine.

Singers Gwyneth Herbert and Iris Williams also join the diverse line-up.

Coming to Brecon - Pine, Tracey, Herbert and Golson

The three-year deal with bank HSBC will be the first time the festival's title has been sponsored.

The Welsh Assembly Government is also supporting the event, while broadcaster S4C will be filming special programmes.

'Good news'

Culture Minister Alun Pugh said: "Brecon Jazz has a growing international reputation, which I'm sure will go from strength to strength.

"I am committed to supporting events that showcase Wales on the international stage, as well as providing the people of Wales with world renowned musicians on their doorstep," he said.

Walter Dickie, festival chairman of Brecon International Festival of Jazz said: "This is a very good news story for the arts in Wales and we can go forward together with great optimism."

The full programme, under new festival director Jim Smith, will be unveiled in May.