BBC Radio Ulster is to broadcast live from this year’s City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival, it has been revealed.
Speaking at the launch of the five-day music extravaganza to be held in a number of venues throughout the city over the May Bank Holiday weekend (28 April – 2 May), legendary Radio Ulster presenter, Walter Love, said the station would broadcast two live programmes.
The event is the biggest of its kind in the North and last year attracted an estimated 40,000 music lovers to the city.
Details of this year’s event were unveiled by Derry City and Strabane District Council at the launch of the festival held last night in the newly-opened Bishop Gate Hotel.
Topping the bill will be Roy Ayers, one of the most renowned names on the jazz music scene.
International musicians such as Velocity Brown and the Hot Rods, Les Swingin’ Lovers and the Jaydee Brass Band will be joined by a local favourites, including the Paul McIntyre Trio, Gary McIntyre, George Hasson and John and Fiona Trotter to name but a few.
Speaking last night, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Elisha McCallion, said she was looking forward to a “fantastic weekend.”
She said: “There is no doubt that the Jazz Festival weekend is possibly the highlight of the year for us in terms of visitor experiences.
“The place just comes alive with music and the buzz about the place is incredible.
“The programme this year is, as always, packed full of talent from home and abroad and I’m looking forward to what promises to be a busy weekend for visitors and a booming time for local businesses.”
Festival programmes are available from today from council facilities and entertainment venues across the city as well as online at www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com.
Photo shows Mayor Cllr McCallion and Radio Ulster presenter Walter Love at last night's launch of this year's City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival.
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