Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Grainne Duffy returns to The Courtyard Theatre for a night of dynamic music and entertainment on Sat 19 April.

In the last year Grainne Duffy has released her new album Test of Time to a wonderful reception from the press and fans worldwide. Still pioneering her first love the blues she has also found a voice in writing and playing in styles ranging from pop, soul and rock. Her live show is still as dynamic as ever and her band are a treat not to be missed.

Come along to another one of Grainne Duffy’s unmissable concerts at The Courtyard Theatre. Tickets cost £12 & £10 (Concessions) and are available online at www.thecourtyardtheatre.com or by contacting Box Office on 028 9034 0202.

Looking for a family day out this Easter?

Why not come to Bangor this Easter Monday, 21st April, for a day packed full with FREE family fun at the annual Easter Parade and Funday where Bangor’s Seafront will have something to appeal to everyone from 11.00 – 6.00 pm. This year’s event will be action-packed featuring motorbikes, Lego and a spectacular carnival parade.

Starting at 11am on Easter Monday, at The McKee Clock Arena, eight of Ireland’s best trials riders will compete over a challenging course of giant colourful Lego pieces in the fantastic Lego Live event. Be prepared to be thrilled as these talented bikers showcase their amazing skills.

The Sunken Gardens will play host to the some very special visitors – The Giant Slinkies! Stretching to 6 metres high, twisting and curling into balls with playful and eye-catching performances. Also, in The Sunken Gardens, special Lego workshops are taking place, where children can come along and help build a mosaic of an iconic Bangor image.

On The Promenade, Bangor & Holywood Town Centre Management in partnership with North Down Borough Council will be hosting a Spring Fair where an array of local crafts and speciality foods will be available. Take the time to have a browse in this picturesque setting.

If you still have energy after all of that, Pickie Fun Park will be open all day with lots to do and see, take a ride on a swan, play in the play park or just have a coffee and relax in the refurbished café.

At 3.00 pm over 200 children and young people from local youth and dance groups across North Down will take part in the spectacular Buttercup Carnival Parade. The parade will have a distinctly different feel this year and will be a celebration of Bangor and the surrounding areas with a lively Spring theme. Look out for giant buttercups, butterflies and ladybirds, dance groups, live music, a Pickie Swan, boats and lots of other surprises! There will also be a “Lucky Buttercup Competition” taking place with lots of opportunities to win some exciting prizes from local retailers like The Flagship Centre, Easons, The Sports & Fashion Outlet and many more.

This year, The Parade will be led by the The Mayor of North Down, Councillor Andrew Muir who will be travelling in a very colourful rickshaw.  The Parade’s route will start at The Town Hall, then onto Main Street, along Quay Street, turning into High Street and making its way back up Main Street to The Town Hall – an extravaganza not to be missed!

Also, on Easter Monday, North Down Museum will be holding its annual Easter Egg Hunt from 11am – 1pm (cost £1) and there will be live music in Coffee Cure with “The Woodworms.” And at Bangor Aurora, Maurice Jay and the U105 Crew will be on hand to offer special prizes, games and family fun. Come and paint an egg in the café or enjoy the bouncy castle and colouring in competition.

There’s plenty happening at Project 24 over the Easter weekend too with the rescheduled “Out Of The Shadows” event which will take place from the April 18^th – 20^th.

So come on down to Bangor with your family and friends this Easter for lots of family fun!

For further information check www.northdowntourism.com

This is the 9^th year of Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke’s Causeway Trek.  With hundreds of participants taking part each year our increasingly popular trek is one event not to missed!

Join us for the 11 mile long walk which starts at the Giants Causeway and finishes at Larrybane Car Park situated at the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge.  You will be bused from Larrybane Car Park to your sign in point at the start where you will begin your walk.

Imagine one of the most picturesque walks in Ireland on a beautiful spring day. The views are wonderful – from the magnificence of the Giant’s Causeway to the windswept sand dunes of Whitepark Bay. On the way, you take in the picture postcard beauty of Dunseverick Harbour and stop to admire the smallest church in Ireland at Portbradden. And best of all, every step you take is improving someone’s life.

The funds you will raise by taking on the Causeway Trek challenge will support NICHS’ programmes of research in our local hospitals and universities into the treatment and prevention of these illnesses. You will also help us continue to provide a broad range of services in every part of Northern Ireland for people affected by stroke, respiratory diseases and heart conditions.

Once you sign up you will receive your fundraising pack, tshirt and contact from the Events Team.

For fundraising advice and assistance you can contact us on –

Telephone: 028 9032 0184
Email: events@nichs.org.uk

As the infusion of Pan Celtic traditions prepare to travel to Derry-Londonderry this month, Music City 2014 is delighted to host the vibrant family festival for the first time in its history.

A celebration of the cultural links between the Pan Celtic regions, thousands of visitors is expected to arrive in the city from 22^nd -27^th April for the festival which boasts a week of fun traditional music, language, competitions and craft events for all ages.

Mayor Cllr Martin Reilly, encouraging everyone to check out the programme for the full range of activities on offer said: “I am delighted that the Pan Celtic Festival has been incorporated as a key element within the Music Legacy Fund and to welcome this festival which will offer audiences not only some of the most exceptional performers from the Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and the Isle of Man to the city, but a complete range of exciting family-orientated events throughout the week promoting Celtic culture.”

Children can try their hand at the Celtic art of Straw Crafting, find clues written in different languages to win prizes at the Treasure Hunt on (Tuesday 22^nd April) or get comfy and enjoy Tea & Tales in the magnificent mirrored Speigeltent in the Guildhall Square from (11am-3pm, Wed 23^rd April).

Age restrictions do not apply and the whole family can catch the unique show of mummers and seasoned Glastonbury performers the Armagh Rhymers on the afternoon of Friday 25^th April, they also offer 7-14 year olds an interactive and fun session to learn about the traditional art of Mumming from the mysterious characters themselves.

Geraldine Curran, current member of folk theatre ensemble Armagh Rhymers, speaking about what the children can expect said. “The Mummers are instantly recognisable by their distinct willow hats and have many talents.  Come join us in for our unique performances and series of workshops were we will entertain and delight the audiences with our old Irish Mumming traditions, telling stories through poetry, music, drama, song and dance.”

“Participation from the children is key – it is amazing to watch their level of self expression as the storytelling evolves through the performances.  In acknowledging the Arts Council of NI in their funding, I am delighted that we can bring the Mummers to Derry, come and enjoy our sessions which always promise high energy and lots of memorable fun. “

Families can watch the procession of the Parade of Nations, along Shipquay St and across Guildhall Square, led by a conglomerate of pipers marching as Pan Celtic Pipe Band (6pm, Fri 25^th April). For those interested in the learning about the links and nuances between the Celtic languages, free taster courses relevant to children and young adults will be running throughout the week in Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin and the Tower Museum.

Mayor Reilly continued, “From choral competitions to golf contests, language workshops and céilí dancing, festival clubs hosted by each Celtic region not to mention the world famous Speigeltent for the best in international live music, there really is something for everyone at this year’s Pan Celtic Festival.”

Tickets for individual events can be purchased online at www.culturlann-doire.ie or through the Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin box office. For more information on the festival, visit www.panceltic.ie or call +44 (0)28 7126 4132.

THE WEEK AHEAD – 12 April-18 April

April – October

2014 Discover North Down: Walks and Tours

Whether you are interested in culture, history or nature, we are sure to have a walk or tour to suit you.

Our programme features a variety of walks that vary from free to those with a small charge. For a listing of the programme visit northdowntourism.com.

To book contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069. Pre-booking essential.

Until Sunday 27 April, North Down & Ards U3A Art Exhibition

North Down Museum, Bangor

This Exhibition showcases work of three thriving Art Groups of North Down & Ards U3A which celebrated its 15th Anniversary in 2013

Open Mon & Bank Holidays 10am-4pm, Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm, Sun 12noon-4.30pm

Free Admission

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Until Wednesday 30 April,  Town Charters: Travelling Exhibition
North Down Museum, Bangor

This is a completed research project and exhibition, devised in partnership with the Ulster Historical Foundation and supported by the Ulster Scots Agency
Open Mon & Bank Holidays 10am-4pm, Tues-Sat 10am-4.30pm, Sun 12noon-4.30pm

Free Admission

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Saturday 12 and 13 April, Model Railway Exhibition

Bangor Grammar School

New Venue at Bangor Grammar School promises to be the perfect platform for weekend of planes, trains and automobiles.

Open Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm

Admission charges apply.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Thursday 17-Saturday 19 April, Circuit of Ireland

Info: circuitofireland.net

NEXT WEEK – 19 April-25 April

April – October

2014 Discover North Down: Walks and Tours

Whether you are interested in culture, history or nature, we are sure to have a walk or tour to suit you.

Our programme features a variety of walks that vary from free to those with a small charge. For a listing of the programme visit northdowntourism.com.

To book contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069. Pre-booking essential.

Sunday 20 April, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Easter fun: Ark Open Farm, Easter crafts, Glitter Tattoos, Bun Decorating and Traditional Live Music, 2pm-4pm.

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Monday 21 April, Easter Monday in Bangor

Bangor Town Centre

It’s going to be Awesome! Lego, Motorbikes, Spring Fair and so much more AND the ‘Buttercup Carnival’ Easter Parade.

Activities 11am-6pm, Parade starts 3pm

Free event

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Monday 21 April, Easter at the Museum

North Down Museum, Bangor

Easter Egg Hunt (cost £1) 11am-1pm, Live music by ‘The Woodworms’ in Coffee Cure 12.30pm-2pm.

Free Admission

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (April 14-20).

• Causeway Coast Surf Festival, West Bay, Portrush, Co. Antrim, April 19-20. Enjoy a fun day at the beach as surfers take to the waves competing in contests while spectators can soak up the atmosphere with music, film, photography, art, activities and more.

• Easter Celebrations at the Folk Park, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, until April 21.  Stallholders, shopkeepers, travelling journeymen and entertainers will keep you amused along with traditional crafts of spinning, basket weaving and rope making while young visitors can help feed the spring lambs and young chicks.  

• Easter Festival at Titanic Belfast, Titanic Belfast, Belfast,April 19-22. Experience  some family fun over Easter at Titanic Belfast with lots of family activities in the main atrium from face painting to seasonal themed crafts.

• Arts In The Woods, An Creagan Visitor Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, April 16-18. A family friendly workshop encouraging children of primary school age to explore their creative abilities using a combination of arts and storytelling.

• Circuit of Ireland Rally 2014, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, April 17-19. This year’s rally is the 4^th round of the FIA European Rally Championship, beginning and ending at Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, competitors will also visit Newtownards and Lisburn with 19 challenging stages in Counties Antrim and Down.

• The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh, Co. Armagh, April 19-22. Enjoy a great family day out at the Navan Centre, enjoy a farmyard trail, have your face painted and make a headpiece with a goat theme as you set off on an adventure with the Three Billy Goats Gruff.

• Full Moon Kayaking on Strangford Lough, Clearsky Adventure Centre, Strangford, Co. Down, April 16. Take in the beautiful surroundings with a truly unique experience of paddling on Strangford Lough by moonlight. Learn kayaking skills and have fun under the watchful eye of expert instructors.

• Llama Trekking Tuesdays, The Jungle NI, Moneymore, Co. Londonderry, April 15.  Experience the rare delight and therapeutic pleasure of Llama trekking through the enchanting forest, this novel activity is suitable for all ages.

• Eggstreme Egg Hunt and Bunny Cruise, Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, April 20-21. A day with a difference for the family as you hunt for Easter bunnies on an orienteering egg hunt then cruise aboard the bunny boat with balloon modelling, face painting, Easter egg hunt, games and prizes.

• Grainne Duffy, The Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, April 19.  Enjoy the sounds of Grainne as she returns with her dynamic live show following the release of her new album Test of Time which features various musical styles ranging from pop, soul and rock.

The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre in Armagh is looking for young people aged 10 to 25 to take part in their Summer 2014 extravaganza, ‘Oliver!’

‘Oliver!’ is the world-renowned musical which tells the story of a young orphan who arrives on the streets of London with no friends, no money and nowhere to live. He meets a cheeky pickpocket who shows him a whole new way of life. But as chance would have it, Oliver stumbles upon a gentleman who might just hold the key to his mysterious past… This exhilarating story about one boy’s survival against the odds is packed full of joyful songs including Consider Yourself, You’ve Got To Pick A Pocket or Two, Oom-pah-pah! and the exuberant Food Glorious Food.

Auditions for ‘Oliver!’ will take place on Saturday 17^th May, from 10am to 12noon for 10-15 year olds, and from 1.15pm to 3.15pm for 16-25 year olds. Auditions are now open for booking through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. All auditionees must be available throughout the period from Monday 21^st July until Saturday 23^rd August inclusive for rehearsals, should they be successful. Auditionees should wear loose clothing, trainers & bring a bottle of water. All auditionees should be prepared to act, dance & sing. You do not have to have experience to audition and auditions are completely free, although participation in ‘Oliver’ for successful candidates will be £100 for the five-week period. There will be some free places for people/families in receipt of state benefit.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Armagh commemorates life, death and burial of Ireland’s High King

Armagh is set to mark 1000 years since the death of High King of Ireland, Brian Ború, with a series of family-friendly events including Viking longboat sailings, historical re-enactments, Cathedral concerts and a Viking tented village.

The special festival of events will take place from 22^nd April to 4^th May as part of an Ireland-wide commemoration of the millennium anniversary of Brian Ború’s death at the Battle of Clontarf on Good Friday 2014 and his burial in Armagh’s Church of Ireland Cathedral.

Armagh is one of four locations across Ireland taking part in a national programme of events and joins Clare, Tipperary and Dublin in the special commemorations.

One of the festival highlights will be an exciting re-enactment of the Arrival of Brian Ború at Navan Centre and Fort on Wednesday 23 April. This demonstration will reveal how an advanced party of warriors left Clontarf to make arrangements for the arrival of Brian Ború’s body in Armagh following his death. This free event will bring the past to life with a variety of activities for all the family, including storytelling, blacksmith and coin making demonstrations, as well as a fascinating scale model of the Battle of Clontarf.

Loughgall Country Park will also play host to one of the festival’s key attractions, a Viking Longboat event on Thursday 24^th April. This free family fun day will see an invasion of Viking Longboats arrive in authentic vessels for visitors to enjoy rowing and sailing sessions, Viking talks, weapon training and exciting mock battles.

Armagh’s Cathedrals will play an important role in the commemorative festival by hosting their own special events. The festival will open on Tuesday 22^nd April with an orchestral concert at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral with a suite of music written by composer Michael Rooney to reflect the life of Brian Ború which will be performed by the national Folk Orchestra Ireland. On Sunday 27^th April the Cathedral host an Ecumencial Service of Commemoration led by preacher Mark Patrick Hederman, OSB, the Abbot of Glenstal (Co. Limerick). Then on Thursday 1^st and Friday 2^nd May the Cathedral will also host The Waking of Brian Ború, a community project involving adults and children from the Armagh area.

Concluding the line-up of events will be an impressive Viking invasion as over 100 Viking warriors set up camp in a tented village on Armagh’s Mall on Saturday 3^rd May and Sunday 4^th May.  Visitors will get the chance to see how life was in Brian Ború’s lifetime as Viking re-enactors work, cook, eat and sleep on site. The unique event will also include falconry displays, story-telling, craft demonstrations, cookery displays and blacksmith and skills demonstrations, providing the ultimate insight to life as a Viking Warrior.

Commenting on the unique festival, Lord Mayor, Robert Turner, said:

“This is an important year for Armagh. As one of four key areas to be part of the Brian Ború festival across Ireland, this is a unique opportunity to commemorate Brian Ború’s history and legacy in Armagh.

“From Viking re-enactments to classical concerts and special church services, Armagh’s Brian Ború festival will celebrate every aspect of this historic date. I would encourage everyone to come along to as many of the events as possible, even if they’re not aware of the history of Brian Ború, as this is a great opportunity to learn about one of Armagh’s ancient figures.”

Brian Ború visited Armagh in 1004, where he left an offering of gold upon the Cathedral alter and acknowledged the ecclesiastical supremacy of Armagh. During this visit, Brian’s name was inscribed in the Book of Armagh as ‘Emperor of the Irish’. It is in Armagh’s Church of Ireland Cathedral that Brian Ború was laid to rest, according to his wishes.

Guides for the Brian festival are available at City Centre venues now or they can be downloaded from www.armagh.co.uk or contact the Armagh Tourist Information Centre for more details on 028 3752 1800.

It was big in 2011, it was big in 2012, it got bigger in 2013 and now it’s back with a thunderous roar for 2014 – The P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival in partnership with UTV 13^th – 19^th July.

A giant, must-attend family event in the Northern Ireland cultural diary, the 2014 line-up features sport, music and fine foods in the picturesque & historic village of Glenarm, first of the famous nine Glens of Antrim and within the Borough of Larne.

The festival will kick off in the Glenarm Castle grounds over the July bank holiday weekend ( 13^th-14th July) featuring the ‘Champion of Champions Highland Games’ which sees the thunder of Scotland come to Northern Ireland. Strongman versus strongman as they battle it out for the championship title. Northern Ireland’s premiere family music event DalriadaLIVE will feature a high quality musical line up including chart topper and Dalriada Festival 2013 sell out Nathan Carter who will headline on 13^th July with special guests.  Plus, announcing country legend Mike Denver as the headline act for 14^th July along with special guests.  Across the weekend visitors will be treated to celebrity chef demos, the world’s only chic sheep fashion show, craft village, fine food, dancing and lots more.

The festival’s thunderous roar will also fill the stunning village of Glenarm and the wider community.  From 15^th – 19^th July visitors can enjoy sporting action including Super Endurocross, a beach mounted rally, Dalriada Wipeout, Kids duathalon and a fun run.  There will also be traditional entertainment, food, games and local culture at the Auld Hirin’ Fair and at the heart of the village – Hymns and Haybales.  New to the community element of the festival this year is Dalriada SESSIONS featuring traditional music from Haste to the Wedding, gypsy jazz swing with a twist Manouche Swing and the award winning JP Mac’s  The Johnny Cash and June Carter tribute Show. The Festival will give one final roar as its closes on Sunday 19^th July with a spectacular fireworks display, street entertainment, rowing regatta, fancy dress parade, live music and lots more.

The festival’s nominated charity for 2014 is the stillbirth and neo-natal death Charity SANDS. The charity is instrumental in promoting and funding research to reduce the loss of babies’ lives, and works closely with health professionals to ensure bereaved parents and their families receive the best possible care. Nathan Carter’s manager John Farry has written and produced a beautiful song for the charity in memory of DalriadaLIVE promoter John Roger’s little grandson who sadly passed away at birth. The song called Memories of Angels will be performed during DalraidaLIVE by Collette Curry. A CD will be available to buy with proceeds going to SANDS.

Adrian Morrow, Festival Director, commented;
“ The P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival in partnership with UTV is back with a thunderous roar for 2014.  What a fantastic line up we have this year at Glenarm Castle and the beautiful Glenarm Village. Across sport, music and food – we have something for all the family.  From chart topping, Dalriada 2013 sell out Nathan Carter, Highland Games, crafts, celebrity chefs, sporting and music events in Glenarm Village – this truly is a giant of a cultural, family event. Every year we get bigger and better and this can only happen with the support of our sponsors – P&O, UTV, Larne Borough Council and NITB, and our many partners but also from the commitment and enthusiasm of the staff, volunteers and the local community. Thanks to all of them we can roar this loud in 2014.  We are also delighted to support and work with SANDS as our official Charity for 2014 and hope that all our visitors will show support by purchasing the specially created CD Memories of Angels.”

Joanna Walsh from P&O Ferries, title sponsor of the event, said;

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”P&O Ferries is proud to be title sponsor for the 2014 Dalriada Festival. Once again the organisors have surpassed themselves and are presenting a programme packed with excitement and entertainment for the whole family. With the promise of incredible music acts, fine foods, arts and crafts it really is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before.  As operators of the shortest, fastest and most frequent crossings between Northern Ireland and Scotland P&O Ferries is very much looking forward to welcoming on board the ever growing number of visitors who travel from Scotland each summer to enjoy this spectacular event and we wish everyone involved every success.”

Michael Wilson, Managing Director, UTV added;

“UTV is delighted to join forces once again with the P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival in Glenarm which promises to deliver a fabulous week for all the family this July. We look forward to capturing the essence of the activities taking place on the North Coast of Antrim on UTV for all our viewers, with regular updates online on u.tv and interviews on U105.”

Eddie Rowan, Event Manager Northern Ireland Tourist Board:

“The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is once again pleased to support the P&O Dalriada Festival.  It is a pleasure to see this fantastic festival grow from strength to strength as it continues to significantly increase visitor appeal to the North Coast of Antrim.  The range and quality of activity on offer will not only a generate a substantial impact on the economy but also contribute to Northern Ireland’s positive profile as an attractive destination.  I wish all the participants and visitors a very memorable trip to Northern Ireland and to Glenarm for this action packed week of events.”

Admission to the community events is FREE. Gate Admission applies for the Champion of Champions Highland Games at £10 for Adults, £7.50 for Senior Citizens and £5 for Youth (12-16), children under 12 are FREE. Tickets for DalriadaLIVE, both the Nathan Carter and Mike Denver Concerts, are priced at £25 plus booking fee and available at www.dalriadafestival.co.uk or www.ticketmaster.ie
Further information on the festival visit www.dalriadafestival.co.uk.

Derry is the place to be this May Bank Holiday Weekend as the city becomes a massive stage for some of the finest music talent from across the world during the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival.

Running for five days from May 1 – 5 the festival this year welcomes hundreds of top class musicians and performers from around the world for the biggest musical celebration of its kind in the country, in keeping with Derry’s fantastic Music City programme for 2014.

Renowned jazz musician Kyle Eastwood and 90’s legend Curtis Stigers are among the premiere cast of talent set for a weekend packed full of live entertainment taking place at over 50 venues across the city, as every cafe, bar, hotel, and street corner .

Last year over 38,000 people attended the highlight event in the city’s social calendar and jumped, jived and jitter bugged their way along the Free Guinness Jazz Trail, which means that over 90% of all the weekend entertainment is free. This year’s Speakeasy theme will add to the atmosphere, with the chance to dress up gangster style and enjoy some Prohibition era fun, with back street bars and secret passwords.

As always the programme features the best of both home grown and international talent, including folk phenomenon Kate Rusby, and the man touted as the new Jamie Cullum, Anthony Strong.

They will head a formidable ensemble of some of the best jazz, blues, soul, swing and jive acts around, including the fabulous Puppini Sisters, the electrifying Carmen Ghia and the Hotrods, and of course TV favourites the Jive Aces.

They will be joined by big names on the local music scene, David Lyttle, Paul McIntyre, John Leighton and of course, the father of jazz himself, Gay McIntyre.

One of the big highlights this year is the Spiegeltent which adds some vaudeville glamour to the festival, its mirrored splendour always a highlight at festivals since the travelling venues first began hosting concerts in Belgium in the late 19^th century.

As always the City of Derry Jazz Festival is expected to draw music fans from far and wide, and hotel spaces are already filling up fast with some fantastic accommodation deals currently available.

And there’s a packed programme of events taking place in the city over the coming months, beginning with the PanCeltic Music Festival which celebrates the best of Irish traditional Irish music April 22 – 27. June 21 sees the return of the massively popular Music City Day, which this year marks the beginning of the Foyle International Maritime Festival, running from June 21- 29.

And during the festival the city will welcome home the Derry Clipper Team for a stopover celebration to remember, with seafood, song and plenty of nautical entertainment – including an appearance by the Beach Boys!

The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is run by Derry City Council, and sponsored by Diageo, Department of Culture and Leisure and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

For more information on the full Jazz Festival line-up go to www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com.