Derry gets in the groove for Jazz Festival launch
21 March 2024
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 2nd-6th.
The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor 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.