Guinness has confirmed that the Cork Jazz Festival will take place over the bank holiday weekend in October.
The festival, which is, one of the biggest and longest running events on the Irish music calendar, was cancelled in 2020 in line with Government guidelines.
Rory Sheridan, Head of Partnerships, Diageo Ireland said that he was “absolutely delighted” to confirm that the festival will go ahead this year from October 22nd to 25th.
The start date coincides with a significant easing in the Government’s remaining Covid-19 related restrictions on gatherings.
“This will be the first major festival in Ireland since the pandemic to take place, which is a significant milestone not only for musicians and the events industry who have been one of hardest hit industries, but also for festival goers who have been waiting for some good news. We look forward to announcing full details of the festival including the line up over the coming weeks.”
A spokesperson for the festival said every effort will be made to keep attendees safe as the country continues to stay Covid vigilant.
“We are working with the Cork Jazz Festival Committee and the hospitality and entertainment sectors of Cork to create safe options for the festival, in line with government regulations. We will have further updates in the coming weeks.”
Although numbers are still expected to be affected by the pandemic, the festival is usually worth an estimated €35 million to Cork. Founded in 1978 by Jim Mountjoy, then marketing manager of the Metropole Hotel, as a replacement for a cancelled bridge tournament, it is regarded as one of the most iconic events of its kind on the national cultural calendar.
Over the years the festival has featured a galaxy of greats including Ella Fitzgerald, BB King, George Shearing, Art Blakey and Mel Torme.
