Mr Wilson’s Second Liners take to the streets of Derry as they add a jazz twist to pop music as they make their way round the city centre and into Guildhall Square . Picture Martin McKeown. 03.05.24
Derry’s streets are eerily quiet today after a five-day extravaganza of sound, as the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival drew thousands of revellers to jump, jive, sing and swing at 450 live music events.
This was the 23rd edition of the Festival, which has established itself as one of the biggest musical showcases in the country drawing artists and visitors from all over the world to enjoy the eclectic mix of music on offer.
What makes the festival truly unique is that most of the music is completely free for all to enjoy.
Highlights this year included the DLD Second Line parade, which had people dancing in the streets on Saturday afternoon, the Mayor’s record breaking Rock the Boat challenge which brought some classic disco to the event, swing dance workshops, vintage hair and styling workshops, gigs at a number of dedicated festival jazz hubs, as well as free live music events across 72 local venues.
Local schools also got in on the action with al fresco performances on the Gay McIntyre Stage, while the Craft Village also played host to an array of outdoor performers.
Looking back on a fabulous weekend, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, said: “It’s been an absolutely unforgettable weekend and a real highlight of my year as Mayor.
“Much work has gone into growing and developing the Jazz Festival, from humble beginnings to the huge celebration it has become today. We have welcomed visitors from all over the world this weekend, and the event is the perfect showcase for all the North West has to offer as a visitor destination.
“I want to acknowledge all the work that has gone into this year’s event, both from the Council team, as well as the support of all the local venues who make this event a huge community celebration.
“And it doesn’t stop here. We have the Foyle Maritime Festival to look forward to at the end of June, so it’s all happening here in Derry and Strabane this summer.”
Acts this year travelled from Holland, the US, and even as far away as South Korea, to take part in the festival, testament to the growing reach of the festival and Derry’s international reputation.
Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, said Council would continue to work with its partners to build on those foundations for the future.
“There is no doubt these are challenging times in terms of the tourism and hospitality industry, and events such as the Jazz Festival play a vital role in attracting visitors to these shores.
“Derry and Strabane is a place renowned for its music and talent, so the festival provides a wonderful platform to celebrate this and promote the North West region as a cultural hub, where the hospitality it also second to none.
“We have seen tens of thousands of visitors out enjoying the festival over the weekend, and while the numbers have not been finalised, early indications are that this has been one of our most successful jazz events.
“This is really encouraging, and we will continue to enhance our offering to keep those visitors coming back for more.”
The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Diageo and Ulster University.
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