A pub named after jazz legend Louis Armstrong is putting on a celebration of the musician's life to mark 50 years since his death.

Originally planned as a festival, a scaled down jazz and jam session will be held at the namesake pub in Maison Dieu Road, Dover on Sunday, July 4.

That is the day that the acclaimed trumpeter used to celebrate his birthday but being just two days away from the anniversary of his death on July 6, it serves as an appropriate time for the occasion.

Formerly called The Grapes, The Louis, as it has become known, was renamed in 1972, a year after Armstrong's death by late owners Bod and Jackie Bowles.

They had taken over 10 years earlier.

Bod was a trombonist and led the Bod Bowles Jazz Band.

Together husband and wife welcomed musicians, giving them a place to nurture their talents, collaborate and grow.

Folk was played during the week, rock on Friday nights and jazz on Sundays.

Dover regulars, in the 1980s for instance, were Uncle Lumpy and the Fish Doctors, the Bill Barnacle Jazz Band and the Dover Skiffle Band.

Bod and Jacky became renowned for their hospitality across the circuit and even when Bod died in October 2000, Jackie took on that mantle.

When she died in March 2019 aged 79, the music community came together to give her the send off she deserved.

She was Dover's longest serving publican and her life and legacy was celebrated with jazz players parading the street to the church on the day of her funeral.

The pub is now run by Jackie and Bod's daughters Sarah and Jane Bowles and children.

They are working with Nick Charlesworth and Tick Brown who are are organising the line up and performing.

Sarah Bowles said: "It has had to be scaled down. We had hoped to have had musicians from every decade who have played at the Louis Armstrong.

"It's really disappointing that we can't have everyone who wanted to get involved."

"It is now a Covid compliant event."

The celebration starts at 1.30pm on July 4.

The core band will be the Metalators and there will be flexibility for people to jam as well.

A barbecue will be served through the afternoon.

Ms Bowles recommends booking in advance on 01304 204759.

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