Derry Hotels at over 90% capacity ahead of Jazz Festival

Today sees the start of the island’s biggest Jazz Festival, hosted right here in Derry.

The city is gearing up for a packed weekend of live music and outdoor entertainment, running from April 27 until May 1.

The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival has gone from strength to strength over the past 22 years, establishing itself as the biggest celebration of its kind in Ireland, with over 70,000 music lovers expected to descend upon the city in the coming days.

Hotel occupancy levels are currently sitting at over 90% ahead of the weekend with people from all over the globe set to soak up the experience of Jazz and Blues that helped firmly place Derry on the tourist map.

Odhran Moore of Visit Derry said: "The Jazz Festival is an important event for the tourism industry and with hotel occupancy levels currently exceeding 90% over the weekend, it is a fantastic annual highlight for the local economy; bringing visitors from across the island of Ireland and further afield to sample the local hospitality, warm welcome and vibrant atmosphere The Walled City is renowned for.

"This year's Jazz Festival kicks off a robust calendar of events in the city, and as we get closer to the busy tourist season, it is fantastic to see artists and performers from around the world filling our wonderful venues.

"Over the course of the five-day festival, there is a wide variety of ticketed events and free events for all to enjoy and we urge visitors to come along and join the bank holiday fun.”

The event, which attracts artists from around the world to the North West for this unique showcase, will host live music performances in over 60 venues – most of them free.

Looking ahead to the weekend, the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said the excitement is already starting to build. “Last week we had former US President Bill Clinton here in the city, a huge jazz fan, and he was really impressed by our Jazz programme this year. This week we’re back in the spotlight as the city becomes a stage for some of the very best artists on the music circuit.

“The Jazz Festival just transforms the place – it puts a smile on everyone’s face and brings music lovers of all ages together.

"It’s a fantastic event for the local economy, bringing visitors from far and wide to sample local hospitality and entertainment. With just days to go there’s already much excitement and we’re looking forward to a fabulous weekend.”

Jazz Festival Co-ordinator with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Andrea Campbell, said: “After months of planning we are now looking forward to welcoming the first artists and visitors to the City on Thursday. We have over 60 venues involved in the festival this year and it’s that local business involvement that really makes this festival so successful.

“Our local artists have such an important role to play and they really set the standard from day one of the event which begins with our Local Legends concert hosted by the Mayor in the Guildhall.

"Legacy is also a major priority for the festival as well, with over 2,000 young people getting involved in jazz masterclasses and events throughout the programme, inspiring the next generation of jazz talent. We just can’t wait now for it all to kick off.”

Programme highlights this year include the local Jazz Hubs in Bennigan’s Bar, The Playhouse and The Great Hall, Magee to hear from renowned artists such as Phil Robson, Hannes Riepler, Meilana Gillard, Paul McIntyre, Michael Barkley and Gene Calderazzo, all bringing the authentic Jazz experience to the city.

Outdoor events include the talent showcase on the Gay McIntyre stage in the Guildhall Square, as well as live music in the Craft Village.

There will also be fabulous al fresco performances from Jazz Festival regulars the Jaydee, Boom Strutt, Hyde Park and Back Chat Brass Bands, as well as the DLD Second Line Prade, to look forward to.

For all the programme highlights go to cityofderryjazzfestival.com