Maiden City Gets Jazzed Up For May Bank Holiday Weekend

Thursday, 26 April 2007

The City of Derry~Londonderry is preparing itself to welcome some of music industry’s most celebrated musicians to the City as part of the forthcoming 6th City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival during the Bank Holiday weekend of 03-06 May and music lovers from throughout the region are being encouraged to make a trip to the city to sample the sounds and soak up the festival atmosphere.

From Thursday 03 May until Sunday 06 May the city will come alive to the sound of music with an unrivalled programme of events, which will see over 150 performances take place in 50 pubs, clubs and venues around the City.

Whether its a day trip or an overnight stay you are interested in then there is something to suit you with a host of lunchtime free jazz events taking place at bars and restaurants across the city and very competitive rates from local accommodation providers including two nights bed and breakfast and one evening meal in a luxury four star hotel for as little as £110 or €165 per person sharing or two nights bed or one night bed and breakfast and one evening email for £50 or €73 per person sharing in three star accommodation. For information on accommodation please contact Derry Visitor Convention Bureau on Tel: (028) 7126 3511 (048 from the Rep. of Ireland).

Among the 2007 festival highlights are Glenn Miller Orchestra, Ruby Turner – the true diva of soul; the funky moves of The Jazz Cotech Dancers and the exquisite sound of Bodil Niska, Norway’s premier saxophonist. Other acts promising to prove a big hit during the festival are the Extraordinaires, the Jive Aces and King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, as well as Les Swingin’ Lovers, (Paris); Greggi G and the Crazy Gang.

The festival organisers believe this year’s line up will keep visitors to the city entertained throughout the weekend. The Free Guinness Jazz Trail will see some 120 free performances take place in over 50 pubs and restaurant venues throughout the city.

Johnny Murray, Festival Organiser said: “The City of Derry Jazz Festival is Northern Ireland’s premier Jazz and Big Band Festival and is fast becoming a major player on the European Jazz Festival scene and is renowned for its fun and exciting Bank Holiday weekend programme. This year’s festival offers a host of top class events and musical performances to suit all tastes.

“This city and its people are renowned for their love of music and passion of expression and I am in no doubt that visitors to the festival will enjoy the range of entertainment on offer.”

The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is funded by Derry City Council and Guinness, and supported by the BBC and the Northern Ireland Events Company.

To find out more about the festival contact the festival office at 028 71376545 or click on www.cityofderryfestival.com

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