60+ VENUES
200+ PERFORMERS
100,000 VISITORS
25 YEARS
CURTIS STIGERS
MUIREANN BRADLEY
WELCOME
WILLKOMMEN BIENVENUE
Ireland’s biggest jazz festival returns this May Bank Holiday weekend for a very special celebration - the 25th anniversary of the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival.
From Wednesday 29th April to Monday 4th May, the Walled City will once again come alive with the sounds of jazz, blues, swing and soul, welcoming more than 100,000 music lovers to experience world-class performances across the city.
This year’s stellar line-up features international headliners Curtis Stigers and Muireann Bradley, alongside outstanding artists including Leo Richardson and Tommy Halferty.
25 YEARS
We are also delighted to welcome back many festival favourites including Harry Connolly, The Jive Aces, Mission Impossible, The Roaring Forties, The Ska Beats, and all our fun brass bands, bringing colour, energy and rhythm to the city’s streets.
As we celebrate 25 years of the festival, we extend our sincere thanks to previous festival teams and the many artists, performers, venues, partners and audiences who have helped make it such a success over the years. Whether you are a long-time jazz fan or discovering the festival for the first time, we hope you enjoy the music, the atmosphere and the unique welcome of our city.
Our Headliners
Spotlight on Jazz Jazz Hubs: Bennigans
Jazz Hubs: The Playhouse
Jazz Hubs: The Guildhall
New Gate Arts Centre
St. Columb’s Hall
Jazz Al Fresco
Gigs
OUR HEADLINERS
Curtis Stigers
Wed 29 April • Millennium Forum 8pm
£32
Curtis Stigers launched his debut album in 1991, which sold 1.5 million copies and included hit singles “You’re All That Matters To Me”, “Never Saw A Miracle” and the worldwide top-ten hit, “I Wonder Why.” Now he will return to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival, performing on stage at the Millennium Forum.
Tickets at cityofderryjazzfestival.com/tickets
OUR HEADLINERS
Muireann Bradley
Thurs 30 April • Guildhall 8pm
£21.50
Muireann Bradley is a 19-year-old folk and blues guitarist and singer from Ballybofey in County Donegal. She specialises in performing acoustic fingerpicking country, piedmont, and ragtime blues styles from the 1920s, 30s and 40s as well as later folk, country and Americana. The Ticketmaster Rising Star 2024 and Hot Press Reader’s Poll, Most Promising Act - this is one not to miss!
Tickets at cityofderryjazzfestival.com/tickets
SPOTLIGHT ON JAZZ
Leo Richardson
Widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading tenor saxophonists, Leo Richardson is celebrated for his honest, straight-ahead contemporary hard-bop style. A graduate of Trinity College of Music, he studied with leading saxophonists including Jean Toussaint, Julian Siegel and Mark Lockheart, receiving the Trinity Jazz Achievement Award. Now a prominent figure on the London jazz scene, he has appeared at major venues including Ronnie Scott’s, the Royal Albert Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Glastonbury, collaborating with artists such as Van Morrison, Gregory Porter, Jamie Cullum and Kurt Elling.
Tommy Halferty
As the Festival marks its 25th anniversary, it’s fitting to welcome home one of its most distinguished musical voices.
Guitarist Tommy Halferty returns to his native Derry in his 80th year, celebrating over five decades at the heart of Irish jazz.
Renowned for his lyrical touch, deep swing and unwavering musical integrity, Tommy has shaped generations of musicians through performance, recording and advocacy for Jazz in Ireland.
SPOTLIGHT ON JAZZ
Guy Davis
Multi-instrumentalist Guy Davis is a two-time Grammynominated artist whose work reaches far beyond traditional blues. A gifted songwriter, actor and author, he draws on Blues, Folk, Roots and spoken word traditions to tell powerful stories shaped by history, social justice and everyday life. With a strong theatrical sensibility and masterful guitar and banjo playing, Davis delivers performances that are deeply human, thought-provoking and rich in musical craft - a modern troubadour rooted in tradition.
Sylvie Noble
London-based vocalist and composer Sylvie Noble draws on an eclectic range of influences, blending jazz and folk to create a distinctive and intimate sound. Her debut album New Eve, a voice-and-bass duo collaboration with 2024 BBC Young Jazz Musician winner Ursula Harrison, is due for release in spring 2026. A finalist in the 2025 Tina May Young Jazz Musician competition, Noble combines fluent improvisation with evocative melodies, balancing experimentation with warmth and lyricism. She has worked with musicians including Ant Law and Tom Ollendorff, and draws inspiration from artists such as Betty Carter, Joni Mitchell and Carla Bley, shaping music rooted in honesty and storytelling.
JAZZ HUBS
Enjoy some authentic Jazz at one of our three Jazz Hubs! Experience some of the world’s most renowned Jazz musicians as they perform at Bennigans Bar, The Playhouse and Guildhall.
Bennigans Bar John St.
Famed for its weekly Jazz programme, curated by pianist and owner John Leighton, Bennigans will host multiple acts over the Festival, with intimate performances and great music for all you Jazz lovers!
Thurs 30 April
Cradle Rock 11pm Free
Fri 1 May
Hannes Riepler Masterclass 1pm - 3pm Free
Lucian McCauley Trio & Jam Session 3pm Free
Camille Rose Quartet 8pm £15 + booking fee
Hannes Riepler Quartet 11pm £15 + booking fee
Sat 2 May
Vocal Workshop with Sylvie & Camille 1pm - 3pm Free
Guitarmagheddon & Jam Session 3pm Free
Phil Robson Trio 8pm £15 + booking fee
Bradley Neilsen Quintet 11pm £15 + booking fee
Sun 3 May
Riley Stone-Lonergan Masterclass 1pm - 3pm Free
Sylvie & Camille Vocal Jam 3pm Free
Riley Stone-Lonergan Quartet 8pm £15 + booking fee
Rick Simpson Quartet 11pm £15 + booking fee
Mon 4 May
BBQ 1pm
Kaidi Tatham 3pm £15 + booking fee
Men Who Knew Too Much 8pm Free
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JAZZ HUBS • FREE MASTERCLASSES
Bennigans Masterclasses
Take a deeper dive into jazz with a series of Free Festival Masterclasses led by some of the finest musicians performing at this year’s festival. Taking place upstairs at Bennigans Bar & Jazz Club, these relaxed and interactive sessions offer a chance to learn about improvisation, performance and the creative process behind jazz. Whether you’re a musician, singer, student or simply curious about how the music works, everyone is welcome to attend. Masterclasses are free but places are limited, so booking is essential.
Fri 1 May 1pm Free Jazz Guitar Masterclass with Hannes Riepler
Join acclaimed guitarist Hannes Riepler for an inspiring session exploring jazz improvisation, repertoire and developing a deeper connection with the instrument. The masterclass will cover navigating the fretboard, linking chords, scales and melodic ideas, as well as practical approaches to learning jazz repertoire. Open to guitarists of all levels, the session will include demonstrations, practical concepts and time for questions.
Sat 2 May 1pm Free Vocal Masterclass: The Jazz Jam Session with Sylvie Noble & Camille Rose
London-based vocalists Sylvie Noble and Camille Rose lead an interactive workshop exploring the art of singing in a jazz jam session. From choosing songs and counting the band in to improvising and leading a confident performance, singers will learn practical skills for performing with a live jazz band.
Open to singers of all levels - participants can sing, observe or simply enjoy the music.
Sun 3 May 1pm Free Masterclass with Riley Stone-Lonergan
Saxophonist Riley Stone-Lonergan, joined by acclaimed guitarist Phil Robson, presents an engaging introduction to improvising in a group setting. This interactive session explores listening, responding and creating music together in the moment, offering practical insights into the joys and challenges of collective improvisation. Open to musicians of all levels interested in exploring the creative process behind jazz and improvised music.
JAZZ HUBS
The Playhouse Artillery St.
The Playhouse presents a vibrant programme of live jazz throughout the festival, showcasing outstanding artists in one of the city’s most intimate and atmospheric venues!
Thurs 30 April 7.30pm £10
Big Band Jazz with Britannia Band
Britannia Jazz and Big Band make their Playhouse debut with a high-energy celebration of swing, soul and big band classics. Enjoy tributes to Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye alongside favourites such as Jump, Jive and Wail and Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
Fri 1 May 7.30pm £15
Sylvie Noble Trio
London-based vocalist and composer Sylvie Noble is joined by Derry-born guitarist Joseph Leighton, London-based bassist Lorenzo Morabito, and special guest Michael Murray on alto saxophone, bringing an exciting line-up of emerging European jazz talent to the stage.
Sat 2 May 2.30pm £15
Tommy Halferty Quartet
Guitarist Tommy Halferty returns to his native Derry in his 80th year to lead a special quartet with Kevin Brady, Scott Flanagan and Dave Redmond. This intimate concert blends shared history, expressive improvisation and warm interplay in a joyful tribute to one of the city’s most treasured musicians.
JAZZ HUBS
The Playhouse
Artillery St.
Sat 2 May 7.30pm £15
Lady Day – A Celebration of Billie Holiday
Led by vocalist Camille Rose, the concert explores the remarkable repertoire of Lady Day. Featuring special guest vocalist Sylvie Noble, the performance brings together a stellar band including Riley Stone-Lonergan and Michael Murray (saxophones), John Leighton (piano), Joseph Leighton (guitar), Lorenzo Morabito (double bass) and Gene Calderazzo (drums).
Sun 3 May 7.30pm £15
Leo Richardson Quartet
Tenor saxophonist Leo Richardson is one of the UK’s leading voices in contemporary hard-bop jazz. His dynamic quartet delivers powerful, straight-ahead music inspired by the classic hard-bop tradition. Featuring Rick Simpson (piano), Dave Redmond (double bass) and Darren Beckett (drums), the group perform music from their acclaimed album Move alongside exciting new material.
Mon 4 May 6pm £15
Echtra
Irish musicians Micheal Murray, Conor Murray, Joseph Leighton and Darren Beckett introduce their new collaborative project. The group creates original music shaped by openness and spontaneity, moving fluidly between delicate, spacious textures and driving, powerful grooves, responding instinctively to mood and moment.
JAZZ HUBS
The Playhouse Artillery St.
Sun 3 May 3.30pm • The Playhouse Gallery
Vinyl & Voices
Early bird: £10 • Standard: £15
Step into the groove at Vinyl & Voices, an intimate celebration of Derry’s jazz heritage. Join local legends Jim McDermott , John Trotter and George Hasson , as they share the stories, sounds and vinyl tracks that shaped their musical journeys. The afternoon blends intimate interviews, live grooves and vivid memories into pure Derry jazz magic.
Plus, enjoy an exclusive preview excerpt of ‘The Second Line’, written by Dave Duggan , a brand-new jazz-infused play commissioned by The Playhouse marking 25 years of the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival.
Music, storytelling and soul, Derry style.
JAZZ HUBS
The Guildhall
City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival presents ‘The Live Launch’Classic Jazz at the Guildhall
Thurs 30 April • Guildhall, Main Hall 12pm - 2pm FREE
The Mayor, along with local Jazz legends will officially open this year’s Jazz Festival. Enjoy performances from The Paul McIntyre Quartet, George Hasson, John and Fiona Trotter, Jim Whiteside, Joe Quigley and Jim McDermott. Everyone is welcome to enjoy top quality Jazz in stunning surroundings! Donations are welcome at the event, in aid of the Mayor’s charities.
An Afternoon with the Mayor & The Jive Aces
Fri 1 May • Guildhall, Main Hall 2pm - 4pm
£5 donation at door
Come along and enjoy the big band sound of the Jive Aces hosted by the Mayor Cllr. Ruairí McHugh. The event will be first come, first serve and you will receive a complimentary drink on arrival. All proceeds in aid of the Mayor’s charities.
JAZZ HUBS
The Guildhall
Get your dancing shoes on at the Jazz Hub in the Guildhall. This lively, family-friendly space is the perfect place to enjoy live jazz, grab a drink from the bar and dance the day away as the sounds of swing fill the hall.
Sat 2 May
£2.50
2pm - 4pm: The Revolutionaires
5pm - 7pm: The Roaring Forties
8pm - 10pm: Western Valley Swing
Sun 3 May
£2.50
2pm - 4pm: Bobby Mc & The Dukes
5pm - 7pm: Swingtime Starlets
8pm - 10pm: Jiveoholics
NEW GATE ARTS CENTRE
Guy Davis
Thurs 30 April 7.30pm
£15 + booking fee
Multi-instrumentalist Guy Davis is a two-time, back- to-back Grammy nominee for Best Traditional Blues. A musician, actor, author and songwriter. Guy uses a blend of Roots, Blues, Folk, Rock, Rap, Spoken Word, and World Music to address the frustrations of social injustice, touching on historical events, and common life struggles. Equally at ease with six or twelve string guitar, five string banjo, harmonica, and even the didgeridoo, Guy’s work has seen him perform alongside Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, Dr John, Taj Mahal and Joss Stone, opening for Chuck Berry, Joan Armatrading, and BB King and performing all over the globe.
Women in BlackThe Art of Hart & Bacharach
Fri 1 May 7.30pm
£15 • Conc. £12.50 + booking fee
This dynamic all-female quartet presents The Art of Hart and Bacharach. Featuring Ursula McHugh (vocals), Dee Doherty (musical director/piano), Jude Murphy (double bass/saxophone) and Rebecca Montgomery (percussion), the group brings style, warmth and wit to a sparkling programme of timeless songs. From classics such as Manhattan and Blue Moon to Burt Bacharach favourites, the performance offers elegant arrangements, superb musicianship and plenty of charm.
ST. COLUMB’S HALL
The Jazz Ballroom at St. Columb’s Hall
St. Columb’s Hall becomes a vibrant hub of dance, music, and celebration during the festival weekend. From beginnerfriendly classes to dazzling evening events, you’ll find your rhythm here.
Sequence Dance
Fri 1 May 2pm - 4pm
£10
Ease into the weekend with a welcoming afternoon of sequence dancing, hosted by Ballyarnett Dancing Club. Enjoy live music from Sammy Miskelly, light refreshments, and a warm community atmosphere - all while supporting a wonderful cause.
Beginners’ Dance Class
Sat 2 May 10am - 12pm
£10
Take your first steps onto the dance floor in this relaxed and friendly introduction to jazz dance. Perfect for complete beginners - no experience needed, just comfortable shoes and a sense of fun.
Jazz Dance Masterclass with Jenny Thomas
Sat 2 May 2pm - 4pm
£20
Learn from Strictly Come Dancing choreographer, Jenny Thomas as she brings a wealth of professional experience, infectious energy, and a passion for performance that has inspired dancers across the country. This exclusive masterclass is a rare opportunity to learn directly from a leading figure in jazz dance, exploring musicality, technique, and expressive style. Whether you’re building confidence or refining your skills, Jenny’s dynamic teaching and expert insight will leave you energised, inspired, and ready to take to the floor.
ST. COLUMB’S HALL
The Jazz Ball
Sat 2 May 7.30pm
£25
Dress to impress and dance the night away to the electrifying sounds of The Swing Commanders. Expect glamour, rhythm, and a touch of vintage magic as the ballroom comes alive in true swing-era style.
Late Night Jazz Club
Sat 2 May • Orchard Cinema 10.30pm
£10
Led by local jazz legend Paul McIntyre, this late-night session brings together outstanding musicians for an unforgettable, high-energy close to the day in the intimate setting of the Orchard Cinema.
‘Learn the Strictly Charleston’ with Jenny Thomas
Sun 3 May 11am - 1pm
£15
Kick up your heels and dive into the joyful world of the Strictly Charleston with Jenny Thomas, the powerhouse choreographer from Strictly Come Dancing. In this fun, highenergy workshop, you’ll learn classic Charleston steps, playful styling, and performance techniques that capture the spirit of the roaring twenties - all delivered with Jenny’s signature enthusiasm and expert guidance.
JAZZ AL FRESCO
Enjoy some great music and beats on the streets during this year’s festival. Featuring an array of bands and musicians from far and wide, they are sure to bring the city’s streets to life with their wonderful talent.
GAY McINTYRE STAGE
Guildhall Square
Sat 2 May
12pm: Ardnashee School Choir & Band
1pm: Lumen Christi College
1.45pm: St. Columb’s College
2.30pm: Leap Lessons
3.15pm: EA Jazz Ensembles
4pm: Foyle College Jazz Band
5.15pm: Grúpa Ceoil Beag
Sun 3 May
12pm: Jim McDermott & Friends
2pm: Palais Swing Band
4pm: The Roaring Forties
6pm: Mission Impossible
CRAFT VILLAGE
Sat 2 May
12pm: Calgach Singers
1pm: Harry Connolly Band
3pm: Limavady Big Band
5pm: Tipitina
Sun 3 May
12pm: Jazz Lads & Their Dads
2.30pm: Martin John & The Fellas
5pm: Pure Fresh
JAZZ AL FRESCO BRASS BANDS
Angenola’s Street Beats
Fri 1 May Millennium Forum Steps 7.15pm
Sat 2 May DLD Second Line Parade 12pm
Cathedral Quarter 2pm
Millennium Forum Steps 4.15pm
Sun 3 May Cathedral Quarter 2pm
Millennium Forum Steps 4.30pm
Top Tier Brass Band
Fri 1 May City Centre 7pm
Sat 2 May DLD Second Line Parade 12pm
City Centre 2pm
Sun 3 May City Centre 3pm
Legenderry Pop-Up Market
Guildhall Square
Sat 2 May 11am - 6pm
Sun 3 May 12pm - 7.30pm
Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners
Fri 1 May City Centre 5pm
Sat 2 May DLD Second Line Parade 11am
Rebel Brass Band
Fri 1 May Guildhall Square 6pm
Sat 2 May DLD Second Line Parade 12pm
City Centre 3pm
Sun 3 May City Centre 4pm
OTHER GIGS
BIIRD
Fri 1 May • Nerve Centre Venue 8pm
£25 & booking fee
Bursting onto the scene in 2024, this 11-piece all-female trad supergroup has quickly made a name for itself with a spellbinding fusion of traditional airs, infectious energy, and undeniably danceable tunes.
Showaddywaddy
Fri 1 May • Millennium Forum 8pm
£27 / £31
Showaddywaddy bring their 50th Anniversary Tour to the Millennium Forum, packed with jukebox classics including “Under the Moon of Love,” “Hey Rock and Roll,” and “Three Steps to Heaven.”
JAZZ IN THE COMMUNITY
DLD Second Line Parade
Sat 2 May • City Centre 12noon
Calling all musicians, dancers, hip shakers and jazz makers! Second Line NI returns to the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival with our ever popular DLD Second Line Jazz Parade! Dust off the feathers and umbrellas, put on your dancing shoes and gather on Castle Street as bands, performers and parade-goers fill the streets with rhythm and colour. With some much-loved returning bands and exciting new faces, this joyful celebration has brought class and style to the city’s streets for over 12 years.
All ages and instruments are welcome. If you fancy joining in on the tunes, contact Amanda KoserGillespie at ajkgillespie@gmail.com .
Live Music Now
For eight years, Live Music Now NI has brought the energy, colour and creativity of live jazz to over 15,000 pupils across the Council area. Our Jazz Festival Schools Programme opens young ears to world-class music, builds confidence and creativity and brings the rich heritage of jazz thrillingly to life. In 2026, we’re going even bigger: 38 vibrant, interactive workshops will reach approximately 5,550 children and young people, both in person and online. A brand-new “Musical Monday” on Monday 27th April will feature two live-streamed, classroom concerts with professional musicians The Henry Girls , designed for mainstream and specialist settings across the district.
In-person workshops will be delivered by outstanding artists including John Leighton and Meilana Gillard , Victoria Geelan and Neil Burns , The Henry Girls , Anna Nolan and Rohan Armstrong . These sessions combine live performance, jazz improvisation and hands-on participation; inviting every child to clap, sing, create and shine!
May Day Rally
Sat 2 May 2pm - 3pm
The annual Derry Trade Union Council May Day March departs from Waterside Train Station at 2pm. The march will make its way through the town and be followed by speeches and songs at Harbour Square (at the Factory Girls Sculpture).
FESTIVAL MAP
