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Anyone looking for the perfect way to start to summer should look no further than Derry, where the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival returns this May Bank Holiday weekend, from 27 April – 1 May 2023.
This is the 22nd iteration of the Festival which has grown year on year to become the biggest and best Jazz showcase in Ireland, making it the favourite stop off for hundreds of musicianson the jazz circuit. Artists travel from around the world to take part, many making it anannual pilgrimage and building a huge local fanbase who turn out each year to see their favourites.
Over 70,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event, to sample a fabulous array of homegrown and international talent, bringing bluegrass, swing, rock and of course that trademark jazz to over 65 venues. Among the popular acts set to return to the festival this year are Mission Impossible, Luke Thomas & The Swing Cats, The Jiveoholics, the RedStripe Band and many more favourites.
To ensure the jazz legacy will continue for many generations to come here in the city, over 2000 children across Derry and Strabane will get a fun and funky taster of the festival and learn more about jazz music through the Live Music Now’s schools programme, which will see a number of workshops taking place in the build up to the event, led by some top musicians and performers.
Jazz purists will flock to the local Jazz Hubs in Bennigan’s Bar, The Playhouse and The Great Hall, Magee to hear from renowned artists such as Phil Robson, Hannes Riepler, Meilana Gillard, Paul McIntyre, Michael Barkley and Gene Calderazzo, all bringing the authentic Jazz experience to the city. Outdoor highlights this year include the talent showcase on the Gay McIntyre stage in the Guildhall Square, as well as live music in the Craft Village. There will also be fabulous alfresco performances from Jazz Festival regulars the Jaydee, Boom Strutt, Hyde Park and Back Chat Brass Bands, as well as the DLD Second Line Prade, to look forward to.
Get planning your Jazz Bank Holiday Weekend in the Walled City with the programme of events
