The North West is striking a powerful chord this spring, as culture, creativity and investment come together to showcase the region’s growing confidence and capability on a global stage.

At the heart of this momentum is the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival taking place this weekend, now celebrating its 25th year and reaffirming its status as one of the island’s largest and most vibrant cultural events. With over 450 performances across more than 60 venues and tens of thousands of visitors, the festival continues to demonstrate the economic and social value of a thriving arts sector.

Beyond the immediate boost to tourism and hospitality, the festival also highlights the North West’s ability to create shared cultural experiences that drive footfall, support local businesses, and reinforce our region’s reputation as a destination for world-class events.

That creative energy is being matched by international collaboration and artistic leadership within the region. A recent partnership between Darren Hargan, Founder of Le Foyer des Artistes, and Faber Music London signals growing global recognition for our local talent. Their publication of a new critical performing edition of Ina Boyle’s Maudlin of Paplewick not only revives an overlooked masterpiece but launches the “Hidden Gems” series, an initiative dedicated to restoring lost works to the international repertoire.

Darren Hargan, Founder and Artistic Director, commented:

 “This brand-new critical edition marks a historic milestone and the official launch of the Le Foyer des Artistes Hidden Gems series dedicated to unearthing lost masterpieces and returning them to their rightful place in the global repertoire.

Stayed tuned as we get set to announce the details of the world premiere performance to take place later this year, featuring a powerhouse cast of young Irish singers.

This is more than a publication; it is the rebirth of a voice and the restoration of a work of national importance to the international repertory.”

This type of collaboration highlights the strength of the North West’s creative sector and its growing connections beyond the region. It also points to the value of continued, steady investment in creative infrastructure and skills.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn shakes hands with Chamber Board Member and NWRC Principal & Chief Executive Leo Murphy at the signing in Limavady. Also pictured are Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Oliver McMullan and NIO Minister Matthew Patrick.

That approach is reflected in the recently signed £129 million Causeway Coast and Glens deal, which includes funding for a range of innovation-led projects across the region. Among these is the planned Innovation Hub at North West Regional College’s Limavady campus.

This development represents a strategic opportunity to further integrate the creative industries within the region’s broader growth agenda. With its specialist art and design wing and creative studios, the Limavady campus is uniquely positioned to support emerging talent, foster collaboration, and bridge the gap between education, creativity and enterprise.

From the jazz festival in full swing to wider collaboration and new investment, these developments clearly demonstrate continued momentum across the North West.