THE final countdown is on to the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival 2017, and with just days to go until the annual May Bank Holiday celebration kicks off on April 27th, thousands will be planning their perfect weekend music experience.
If you’re not one for pubs and clubs then never fear, the organisers of Derry’s most popular music event have ensured that there’s a wide range of alternative arenas in which to enjoy your jazz fix, including some fantastic outdoor performances in the city centre.
Saturday sees a full line up of young local talent taking to the stage at the Guildhall Square throughout the afternoon, where the Walled City Market will be setting up stall over the course of the weekend, showcasing the very best local artisan products.
And the Craft Village will also be reverberating to some groove-tastic tunes on both Saturday and Sunday, the perfect place to get in the mood for an evening out on the jazz trail.
Festivals and Events Officer with festival organisers Derry City and Strabane District Council, Andrea Campbell, said the outdoor events would appeal to a wide ranging audience.
“I’m delighted that we see the return of our Al Fresco Jazz events this year,” she said. “It’s the perfect opportunity for families and younger audiences to experience some of the atmosphere that makes the Jazz Festival such a huge draw for music lovers from all over the world.
“Each year we try to ensure that we programme a wide range of alternative events which will open the experience up to a variety of audiences and our outdoor events are always really popular. It creates a fantastic daytime buzz ahead of the busy schedule of night time performances throughout the city.”
On Saturday join the members of the Errigal Groove Orchestra for a celebration of swing from 12.15pm in the Guildhall Square, before the St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s College Big Band take to the stage at 2pm, followed by the Foyle College, Lisneal and EA Jazz Ensembles from 3pm.
The Craft Village will also host a sensational weekend of al fresco performance featuring festival favourites the Harry Connolly Band, the Limavady Big Band and Pontius Pilate & the Nail Drivers from 1pm – 6pm on Saturday, and Andrew Monk and Mission Impossible on Sunday afternoon beginning at 1pm.
The full City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival programme is available online at www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com. Events will take place in various locations through Derry and Strabane from Thursday 27th April until Monday 1st May.
For all the latest news and event updates check out City of Derry Jazz Festival on Facebook, or follow the Twitter page @derryjazzfest.
This event is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Guinness and Tourism Northern Ireland Events Fund.
For details on any remaining accommodation deals during the Jazz Festival contact www.visitderry.com
