Jamie Cullum excited about Derry return for city's Jazz Festival

The countdown is well and truly on to the annual City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival taking place in the city from Thursday to Monday, April 30-May 4.

Headlining the five-day event will be jazz sensation Jamie Cullum who looking forward to returning to the city following his successful appearance during the 2013 City of Culture year.

He said: “Music is something that clearly lies at the heart of the city and I’m really looking forward to bringing my music to a wider audience there this time round. 

“I hope the welcome will be just as warm as the one I received on my last visit.”

Other acts already confirmed in this year’s line-up include ‘A Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ starring cast members from the West End smash

‘The Jersey Boys’, and the Stars of the Commitments, who bring their gritty brand of Dublin influenced blues and jazz back to the city.

Another highlight of this year’s festival is the return of the Speakeasy Club at the Playhouse where you can enjoy live music in a sumptuous 1920’s setting. 

The Millennium Forum, Bennigan’s Bar and the Playhouse have all been identified as Jazz Hubs for this year’s festival, and will play host to a series of live music sessions for pure jazz music enthusiasts with performances by artists such as Tom Harrison, John Leighton, Denis Roland and Charlie Wood. 

Tickets, £35 and £45, for Jamie Cullum’s concert are available from the Millennium Forum Box Office, telephone 02871 264455 or go to www.millenniumforum.co.uk

Photo shows Mayor Cllr Brenda Stevenson with Molly and Spatz (aka Rachel Melaugh) and Johnny Johnston, from In Your Space, at the 10 week Countdown to the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival.