The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival has returned in style, beginning this Thursday May 1 and running to Monday May 5, with over 400 performances lighting up the city in a five-day celebration of music, culture, and community. Music legend Billy Ocean tops the festival bill, with the festival programme also including local legends and new talent. Now in its 24th year, Ireland’s largest jazz extravaganza continues to grow in scale and significance, bringing a powerful boost to the local economy and positioning Derry as a leading cultural destination in the North West.

The Festival kicked off this Thursday in the Guildhall with a special ‘Live Launch’ that featured top local performers, supporting the Mayor’s chosen charity, the Bud Club. Across the weekend, dedicated jazz hubs like Bennigans Bar and The Playhouse will host standout acts and St Columb’s Hall will feature a headline performance by Una Healy with Luke Thomas and the Swingcats on Friday. With street performances, a lively Craft Village lineup, young talent on the Gay McIntyre Stage in Guildhall Square and the DLD Second Line Parade, every corner of the city will experience the festivities.

Hyde Park Brass perform outside the Richmond Centre. Picture Martin McKeown. 29.04.22

This year, we are especially pleased to welcome leading professional services firm EY as a major sponsor. As part of their recent investment in the region with a new office opening at Ebrington Plaza, EY’s support of the festival underscores their commitment to the North West’s cultural and economic development.

The highlight of EY’s sponsorship is the launch of the exclusive EY Jazz Lounge, which will take place at St Columb’s Hall on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May. These late-night sessions, featuring a stellar international line-up including Curtis Efoua Ela (France), Brian Questa (USA), Phil Robson (UK), and special guest vocalist Winne Ama, promise an unforgettable night for jazz lovers. The performances will be led by acclaimed local jazz legend Paul McIntyre, showcasing both homegrown and global talent.

Aoife Warren, EY UKI Consulting Partner, said:
“EY Northern Ireland is thrilled to support the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival. We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Derry City and Strabane District Council to support the vibrant cultural opportunities that the fantastic City of Derry Jazz Festival brings to the region.”

Welcoming the Festival, Derry Chamber CEO, Anna Doherty, said:
“The City of Derry Jazz Festival is a fantastic celebration of culture that brings thousands of visitors to our city every year. Events like this provide a major boost to our local economy, filling our hotels, restaurants, and shops, and reinforcing the North West’s reputation as a vibrant place to visit and do business.”