Countdown is on for silver anniversary celebrations for Derry Jazz Festival
Musicians from the north west joined Mayor Ruairí McHugh this week to kickstart the countdown to this year’s special 25th Jazz Festival.
A stellar line-up and bumper programme has been promised to mark the major musical milestone ahead of the festival arriving from April 29 to May this year.
Organisers said that over the years, the festival has welcomed internationally renowned artists while remaining deeply committed to nurturing and showcasing local talent.
A cornerstone of its success has been the popular schools’ programme, which has provided a valuable platform for emerging young musicians, which they said has helped inspire the next generation of performers and giving many their first opportunity to take to a professional stage.
The festival has also championed the very best homegrown talent, ensuring that local artists remain at the heart of the programme while sharing the stage with acclaimed national and international acts.
Launching the programme on Tuesday, Mayor McHugh said the anniversary would be a proud moment for a city that has always had music in its blood.
“Over the past quarter century, the festival has evolved into one of the premier events in our cultural calendar, attracting visitors from near and far while showcasing the incredible musical talent we have here at home.
“Its continued growth is a testament to the vision, dedication and creativity of everyone involved, from our Council Events team to the many local venues that have thrown open their doors over the years. I look forward to welcoming audiences to what promises to be a spectacular celebration of music this April and May."
Festival and Events Coordinator with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aisling McCallion, said: "Reaching our 25th year is a significant achievement and reflects the enduring popularity and ambition of the City of Derry Jazz Festival.
“Each year we strive to build on the success of previous festivals, and we are incredibly proud of how the event has grown into one of the largest festivals of its kind.
"Our schools’ programme remains a key focus, giving young and up-and-coming musicians the chance to develop their skills and perform in a professional setting, establishing a lasting legacy for the festival, while our wider programme continues to provide a valuable platform for both local and visiting performers.”
The festival will consist of ticketed headline concerts, free live music events, educational workshops and outdoor performances planned across the city, with Curtis Stigers performing on April 29 at the Millennium Forum and Donegal’s Muireann Bradley at the Guildhall on April 30th.
The Playhouse, Bennigans Bar and St Columb’s Hall will be transformed into dedicated Jazz hubs with al fresco with live stages in the Guildhall Square and the Craft Village on the Saturday and Sunday. The popular DLD Second Line Parade takes to the streets on Saturday May 2.
This year’s City of Derry Jazz Festival programme will be sponsored by Diageo and Head of Commercial NI, Mark Mulholland, said: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the annual Jazz Festival, a cornerstone event that plays a vital role in showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and hospitality sector.
"We look forward to building on the success of previous years and working closely with organisers and local venues to deliver another outstanding festival.”