Mohill’s annual No Jazz Festival rings in the New Year with tradition

The town of Mohill came alive this New Year’s Day as the much-anticipated No Jazz Festival returned, bringing locals and visitors together to celebrate music, culture, and community spirit. The annual event, which has become a cherished tradition in Leitrim, offered a lively blend of historical homage and festive fun.

Kim Taylor, Secretary of the Historical Society and one of the festival’s lead organizers, shared the inspiration behind the event: "This festival is really about revisiting a fascinating part of our history—the anti-jazz protests of the 1930s—but with a modern twist. It’s a chance for us to embrace our traditions while also celebrating the joy that jazz music brings to people today."

The festival’s theme transported attendees back to the 1920s and 1930s. Participants embraced the era, wearing elegant vintage outfits that brought historical authenticity and charm to the streets of Mohill.
"Seeing everyone dressed in period attire, from feathered hats to three-piece suits, really captures the spirit of the time," said Taylor. "It’s like stepping back into history while keeping the energy of a modern festival alive."

The event kicked off with a lively parade through the town, where banners and slogans echoed the themes of the original “Down with Jazz” movement. According to Taylor, this element was a direct nod to Father Peter Connerfrey, the parish priest from Cloone who led the first anti-jazz protest in 1934:
"Father Connerfrey was a passionate man who was deeply rooted in Irish traditions. He saw jazz as a threat to those values, and he wasn’t afraid to speak out. He even inspired over 3,000 people to march through Mohill that year, and we wanted to honour that moment in our history."

After the parade, the festivities moved to Canon Donoghue Hall, where attendees enjoyed captivating performances by Ciaran Wilde & Friends Jazz Band and Tommy Keyes & Friends. The audience was particularly delighted by the debut of the humorous and historically inspired song, "Down with Jazz & Paganism Too." Taylor explained the significance of blending music with the festival’s historical theme:
"Jazz was at the heart of the debate in the 1930s, so it’s fitting that music plays a central role in our celebrations. Today, we’re showing that jazz is something to be embraced, not feared."

The festival also paid tribute to Mohill’s culinary heritage. Traditional Irish boxty, provided by the renowned Gallaghers Boxty House, paired perfectly with tea, giving attendees a taste of Leitrim’s culture. Taylor noted the special connection to Father Connerfrey, who is credited with inventing boxty:
"Father Connerfrey wasn’t just a figure of the anti-jazz protests—he also gave us boxty, which has become a symbol of Leitrim’s identity. He believed in using what was available on the land, and his boxty recipe is still used today by Gallagher’s Boxty House. It’s a wonderful way to keep his legacy alive."

Spot prizes and awards for the best costumes and banners added a playful touch to the day, encouraging creativity and community engagement. Taylor reflected on the growing popularity of the festival:
"It’s amazing to see how this event has grown over the years. People are coming from all over—Dublin, Tyrone, Cavan, and beyond. It’s unusual for New Year’s Day, but it’s become something people look forward to. It’s a testament to the community spirit here in Mohill."

Taylor also emphasized the importance of local support: "We couldn’t do this without our sponsors. Gallagher’s Boxty House and Leitrim County Council have been so generous in helping us make this event possible. It’s a true community effort."

As the day drew to a close, Mohill once again proved its ability to honour its rich history while embracing the joy and creativity of a modern festival. The No Jazz Festival has firmly established itself as a unique and cherished celebration, blending the best of both worlds.
"We’re proud to celebrate our past while looking ahead to the future," said Taylor. "It’s a story worth telling, and we’re so glad to share it with everyone who joins us."