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Rory Mooney, 21 Mar
The longer days are fast approaching, and that can only mean one thing,
it’s almost time for the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival,
which this year runs from May 2-6.
The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Cllr Patricia Logue, today joined
sponsors Diageo, for the official launch of the festival, now in its
23rd year. The event attracts tens of thousands of music fans each
year, and most of the events are free, making live music and quality
performance accessible to everyone.
Looking ahead to the event, Mayor Logue said she was looking forward to
a thrilling weekend of top entertainment.
“The Jazz Festival weekend is one of the most vibrant and exciting
weekends in the entertainment calendar with so much to do and see
throughout the festival. I’m so looking forward to welcoming both
visitors and performers from all over the world to enjoy some
first-class hospitality and entertainment.
“The festival showcases all that’s great about Derry - our talent, our
warmth and our welcome - which brings people back year on year to the
city. It’s going to be a fabulous celebration with something for
everyone to enjoy.”
This year’s festival will feature hundreds of performers who travel
from far and wide to take part in the event, as well as an impressive
array of homegrown talent.
Visitors can look forward to some exciting new acts, as well as their
regular favourites with more details to be revealed in the coming weeks
with the launch of the Guinness Jazz Festival Trail.
Jazz Festival Coordinator with Council, Andrea Campbell, said: “It’s
all happening as we put the final preparations in place for this year’s
event. The flights are booked, the programme is ready and the stage is
almost set for the 23rd outing of the jazz festival. We have some
fantastic new acts featuring this year and we’re looking forward to
welcoming back our regulars who have a dedicated fanbase here.
“The festival footprint extends right across the city and the event is
vital to the local economy, with concerts, workshops, and al fresco
performances taking place in numerous venues. Where else would you get
to enjoy such a wide variety of free entertainment, with something to
suit all ages?”
Demetri Soloman from Diageo said: “We are delighted to once again
support the City of Derry Jazz Festival and the wonderful platform it
provides for the local tourism and hospitality industry. It’s a unique
festival with so many free events on offer, and the perfect blend of
international and homegrown talent to attract music fans from far and
wide. We’re looking forward to another fabulous weekend of quality live
music and entertainment.”
A key priority for the festival is its outreach programme involving
local young people and providing opportunities for new talent to
develop.
Over 1,200 pupils from eight schools will this year enjoy a fun
introduction to jazz through the interactive ‘Jazz Lab’ sessions
featuring familiar jazz standards and improvisation techniques. Watch
out for the next generation of jazz talent, as they take to the stage
throughout the festival weekend.
With accommodation always in high demand, for the first time this year
the festival is delighted to offer a dedicated parking facility for
camper vans, located right at the heart of all the action. Spaces are
available at Bishop Street Carpark, just a stone’s throw from the city
centre venues. Early booking is advised for all accommodation and
visitors should check out the options on the Visit Derry website
- www.visitderry.com Motor home parking can be booked
at https://MotorhomeParking.eventbrite.co.uk
Details of this year’s Jazz Festival programme can be found
at cityofderryjazzfestival.com For regular updates follow the City of
Derry Jazz festival on Facebook Instagram and X @derryjazzfest.