Plans for the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival 2013 are already in full swing, and this week sees the launch of the Guinness Jazz trail – the ultimate entertainment treat for music lovers. Once again the Jazz Trail will take music fans on a tour of the city’s most vibrant pubs and clubs over the May Bank Holiday weekend May2-6, whether you’re planning a non-stop music express trip, or a more leisurely meander though this year’s jam-packed programme.

Jump, jive and swing your way around over 80 venues as they play host to some of the finest musical talent ever to visit the city, in what promises to be the biggest, boldest and best jazz extravaganza yet.Over 90% of the events featured on the trail are free, and the city’s pubs, clubs and restaurants will be bursting with talent, with jazz, swing, blues, rock and soul all on the menu.

Welcoming the launch the city’s Mayor, Kevin Campbell, said that this year’s trail promises to be even better. “Once again thanks to the support provided by Guinness, we can bring music lovers an eclectic and exciting mix of music and entertainment, with something to suit every taste. 

“The Jazz Festival is one of the main highlights in the city’s cultural calendar for 2013, and a real opportunity to show Derry in its best light. Every year the event goes from strength to strength, and this year, thanks to our City of Culture status, we can bring the festival to an even wider audience, and really showcase the warm welcome and amazing talent that the city has become famous for.”Spokesperson for event sponsors Diageo, Barney McCann, said: “We are delighted to support the festival, particularly during this landmark year for the City.   Diageo is committed to supporting and investing in Derry ~ Londonderry and building upon its great potential for the future. 

“Derry has become synonymous with good music and the festival has established itself as one of the most popular music events within Northern Ireland. As always all the best local venues will be buzzing with some of the finest talent from home and abroad, making it the perfect place to spend the Bank Holiday break.  What better way to celebrate the range of international and home grown talent  coming to the City than with Diageo’s iconic local to global brand, Guinness.  The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival  continues to grow in stature and is helping to build our vibrant tourism sector an area that we are passionate about supporting.” 

The Jazz Trail is the ultimate guide to what’s on over the four days of fun, which this year features some amazing new talent headed up by vocal harmony hotties The Overtones. Among the other big names included in the line-up are the stunning Puppini Sisters, and jazz legend Dana Masters.As ever we see the return of many festival favourites, including John Leighton, The Brass Impact Big Band, and rockabilly revellers Carmen Ghia and the Hotrods. With over 250 acts performing over the festival weekend, jazz fans should start planning now to ensure they don’t miss a moment of the music and mayhem. 

For more information about the Festival and a full line-up go to www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com 

ENDS 

For more information please contact Marketing and Communications on (028) 7137 6504