In May, Derry hosted the ninth, highly successful, City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival.

Thousands of people flock to Derry each May for the five-day event which in 2010 had former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman as its headline act.

According the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau, room occupancy reached over 90% across the hospitality sector during the festival



Wednesday, May 05, 2010
http://www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com/

The Ninth City of Derry Jazz Festival finished on Monday after an incredibly successful five days of music, craic and great entertainment. The festival saw thousands of people arriving in Derry to enjoy Northern Ireland’s event of the year as awarded by NITB.



Adding to the buzz this year is Derry’s bid to become the first ever UK City of Culture, meaning there is even more colour and vibrancy in the streets and a wonderful carnival atmosphere in the air.

And plans are already underway to make sure that the Festival celebrates its 10th birthday, next year, in style.

This year’s headline Act, former Rolling Stone, Bill Wyman, wowed crowds at the Millennium Forum and received the Festival’s International Music Award on Saturday night.

Mayor of Derry, Paul Fleming, said: “This year’s Jazz Festival was, as ever, a resounding success.”

“From the fantastic headline act, Bill Wyman, impressing the crowds at the Millennium Forum, to the Jazz Street Buskers entertaining the entire city, there was something for everyone to enjoy.”

“I have always been a huge fan of the Jazz Festival, and as Mayor, it made me incredibly proud to see Derry City being highlighted at its absolute best.”

Aoife Thomas from Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau added: "The festivities which took place over the Bank Holiday weekend were a great success for all involved and there was a fantastic buzz throughout the city.
“Occupancy reached over 90% across the entire accommodation sector with some providers having to post No Vacancy signs - a clear testament to the event's success! ”

“Visitors of Nationalities such as French, Spanish, German and Czech were spotted out and about soaking up the atmosphere of the Jazz Festival!”
“We hope the Jazz Festival continues to grow in stature year upon year and would like to say a big Well Done to all involved.”

Johnny Murray, Festival Co-ordinator, said he was delighted with another successful year, saying: “It was great to see packed streets and smiling faces enjoying all the entertainment on offer throughout the weekend. ?City of Derry Jazz Festival just keeps improving, going from strength to strength every year, with a fantastic reputation internationally which just keeps getting better.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv2jNwwCb2Y&feature=player_embedded
2009 Video Footage

2008 Video Footage

2008 Video courtesy of BBC Radio Foyle
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radiofoyle

lotsajizz wrote on Jul 16^th, 2010 at 8:43am:


That's obviously why they were awarded the UK city of culture yesterday, then.

Grow the fuck up and stop hijacking threads with this shite.

Thanks for the article, Moy - unfortunately it wasnt possible to go and see Bill.

lotsajizz wrote on Jul 16^th, 2010 at 10:04am:


What people call the city doesn't bother me. I use both names, myself. The city is called Londonderry, the council area is called Derry and for most people, the name is interchangeable or a matter of personal preference.

The name of the country and who has sovereignty over it happens to be a fact however - accepted under the Good Friday Agreement by the parliaments of both the UK and Republic of Ireland and every party in both parts of the island -  no matter how much know-nothing foreigners living in an embarrasing state of denial like to believe otherwise.