The ‘City of Song’ certainly lived up to its name at the weekend as tens of thousands soaked up the sunshine and the sounds at the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival.
It was the 24th year of the renowned festival and it did not disappoint, with early indicators that numbers this year are expected to exceed the 100,000 mark.
The festival ended on a high note on Bank Holiday Monday, with the sunshine keeping the al fresco party going all weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday night headliner Billy Ocean brought some A-list magic to the Millennium Forum and had the crowds on their feet for an extravaganza of iconic hits.
Waterloo Street was bouncing to the sound of the Mr Wilson’s Second Liners on Sunday evening, while the Craft Village and Guildhall Square were filled all weekend with fair weather jazz fans.
Looking back on the events, Mayor of Derry and Strabane Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, said it had been a fabulous celebration from start to finish. “What a weekend – the city was absolutely swinging from when the first note sounded on Thursday until the curtain closed this evening. We welcomed music lovers from all over the world and it was wonderful to see everyone coming together out on the streets.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Council team for all their work on the festival which really excelled all expectations this year.
“And I want to thank everyone in the business community for getting on board and making it such a success from start to finish.
“Next year is the 25th anniversary of the jazz festival and I’m really looking forward to marking the milestone of this fabulous event in style.”
This year the festival saw over 400 performances delivered by over 190 acts in pubs, hotels, outdoor stages, jazz hubs, cafes and even street corners. The atmosphere was electric and the good weather brought people of all ages out in the sunshine to enjoy outdoor performances, and soak up the festival vibes.
With over 100,000 attending over the weekend, the jazz festival always provides a significant boost to the local economy and heralds the start of the summer tourist season. The additional footfall and trade generated and high hotel occupancy rates, highlight the festival’s crucial role in showcasing the city’s renowned hospitality.
Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, praised the collective effort behind the hugely successful event. “I am absolutely delighted with the overwhelming success of this year’s City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival.
“To see tens of thousands of people out enjoying themselves in our city was truly wonderful and the great weather was an added bonus.
“It’s a testament to the exceptional local talent we have here in the city, and each year our international artists return again and again because of the unbelievable atmosphere and the hospitality that sets this place apart.
“I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved in organising, from our festivals team to the streetscape crew who were out on the ground keeping the city clean for visitors all weekend.
“My sincere gratitude goes out to all the local businesses – the venues, hotels, restaurants, retailers and of course our sponsors – whose partnership and support are absolutely vital.
Their enthusiasm and commitment to the event brings visitors back year after year.”
As the dust now settles after a wonderful weekend, planning will soon begin for next year’s 25th anniversary edition, building on the success of 2025 and 24 years of jazz.
The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Diageo and EY.
For more information on all the events at this year’s festival, go to: cityofderryjazzfestival.com
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