Derry ~Londonderry celebrates jazz festival success!
Derry’s walls are still ringing to the tune of over 300 musicians performing across the city over the weekend after the hugely successful Jazz and Big Band Festival 2012 drew to a close last night (Sunday).
Visitors and locals thronged Derry’s restaurants pubs, clubs and open spaces to enjoy some of the best live music around with talent from the East Coast of America to Eastern Europe taking part in one of Ireland’s biggest celebrations of jazz music.
The good weather held out for most of the weekend and there was as much craic to be had outdoors as well as indoors with the Guildhall Square and the Craft Village coming alive to the sound of music, much to the delight of shoppers and families out and about for the May Bank Holiday Weekend.
And speaking after the event the city’s Mayor, Alderman Maurice Devenney, said the festival had once again shone the spotlight on the city and its ability to host major events. “I think the festival really has shown what the city can achieve in terms of hosting such events, and I would like to thank everyone who was involved in making this year’s festival such a success.This years event had a very family friendly focus and it was great to see so many people out and about enjoying themselves.
“The standard set by the artists participating is rising each year, and this year was another fantastic success The city has proven without doubt it’s a real cultural hub, and the natural destination for such events, and there is so much more to come this summer.”
Derry City Council’s temporary Director of Development, Oonagh McGillion, said the success of the event had set a benchmark for the festivities to come over the coming months.
“Once again we have been inundated with visitors over the weekend, who got to enjoy some of the best local and international music on offer. And it’s only the beginning of our summer events.
“At the beginning of June we will host the Olympic Torch Relay event and on June 21 we stage the Peace One Day music concert, welcoming even more musical talent to the city. In early July we have another landmark festival planned as we welcome the Clipper Raceto the Foyle after their 40,000 mile voyage across the world and with all this planned ahead of our City of Culture year in 2013, it’s certainly going to be an exciting few months for the city.”
To view video clips, images and updates about the Jazz Festival check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Derry Jazzfestival or visit the website at www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com
Ends
City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival
Welcome!
The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is set to return for its 11th installment in 2012 and this year brings with it another exceptional year in terms of international jazz and blues and showcasing local and up and coming talent. The event officially marks the start of the summer making it the perfect location for music lovers everywhere to visit for an activity filled May Bank Holiday weekend. Check out our video page to view highlights of this years festival as it happens!
This year’s event will take place on the 3rd-7th May and will mark the start of a series of celebratory events for the city of Derry~Londonderry as it prepares to be the first UK City of Culture in 2013.
This year’s festival will attract some of the biggest names in the jazz industry including international performer Van Morrison, and festival favourite, the soulful Ruby Turner, who is one of many jazz legends swinging into town to be part of the weekend of musical celebration. Other events taking place as part of the festival include the Guinness Jazz Trail, an open air market, outdoor gigs and performances and a range of fringe events for all the family.
The festival is a firm favorite on the local music scene and is successfully making a name for itself across Northern Ireland and beyond as it grows in stature and attracts audiences from across the country to experience up and coming jazz talent, international artists and local performers. Since its inception the festival has steadily broadened its scope to include jive, swing, boogie, dance, rhythm and blues in addition to traditional and more mainstream type jazz. The festival is a true reflection of the cutting edge of musical talent in the city and offers the perfect opportunity for visitors to experience at first hand the city’s reputation as a young, vibrant city on the cusp of new opportunities and celebration.
The festival is synonymous with getting everyone involved and creating a real buzz and energy across the city. It has a broad appeal, attracting audiences from all ages and musical tastes with a strong family friendly focus and the ability to get the city to its feet with a scorching blend of musical sounds.
Don’t take our advice however, why not come and see for yourself? There’s no excuse, all you have to do is take advantage of the Bank Holiday weekend and indulge in a selection of the finest music performances and weekend break offers in the capital city of festivals that is Derry~Londonderry.
The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival team
Click here to view more video footage
