MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh has welcomed the news that City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival 2017 has been crowned ‘Best Medium Festival’ at the 2017 Irish Festival Awards.
The Irish Festival Awards were set up in 2007 to honour the organisers and people behind the scenes who make festivals throughout the island such an eclectic celebration of music, art and performance.
Every fan can vote for the festival or music act that has made their social calendar sparkle – and voting on the shortlist takes place every December and January.
Mayor McHugh said: “I am delighted that the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival has been crowned ‘Best Medium Festival’ at the 2017 Irish Festival Awards.
“Indeed, last year’s amazing festival exceeded all expectations and was such a huge success.
“The City of Derry Jazz Festival is without doubt one of the key highlights in our events calendar – and its popularity continues to soar year on year.
“I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made the 2017 festival such a remarkable success – not least in terms of gaining international recognition and helping to boost our local economy.
“Indeed, last year’s organisers further developed the festival with outreach programmes in local schools and community groups, making jazz accessible to everyone, including both young and older people in the community.
“I would also like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who took the time out to vote for the Derry Jazz Festival in the Irish Festival Awards 2017 – and who have helped to secure this fantastic accolade for the city.”
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