Pubs and hotels to cash in on Jazz festival

As the City of Derry Jazz Festival gets into full swing this weekend, the city is set to benefit not only from the excellent line up of top class artists, but also from the economic benefits the annual festival brings to the city.

The Jazz and Big Band Festival, now in its 9th year, has developed into one of the most successful events in the city.

Research conducted by Millward Brown Ulster at last year's event revealed that 93 per cent of visitors to the festival rated it positively.

The festival attracted high numbers of visitors and additional revenue was generated from the high proportion of people (85%) who were in the city especially for the festival.

Businesses including bars, restaurants, hotels and other accommodation providers, as well as transport companies, saw a boost to their income over the Jazz Festival weekend in 2009, and they are expecting the same again this year.

The Mayor, Cllr Paul Fleming, is looking forward to the festival and the benefits it will bring to the city.

"It is great to see the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival return, with a strong programme for 2010 that will encourage people from near and far to come along to some of the events.

"In current economic climate, the city's economy relies on revenue generated from events like this and the Jazz Festival is one of our greatest successes.

"I am delighted that Derry City Council have organised this event that will bring important economic benefits to businesses across the city and district".

Aoife Thomas, from Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau said: "It's great to be involved with the forthcoming Jazz Festival which promises an action packed weekend of music and entertainment for both locals and visitors.

"Events like the Jazz Festival have a huge impact on attracting visitors to our city and are guaranteed to put Derry on the map as a vibrant, must see destination."

Festival Organiser Johnny Murray is looking forward to a successful festival for 2010, commenting: "We have worked very hard this year to secure an impressive programme of top quality artists who will provide an exciting weekend of music.

"Research from last year's event suggests that almost all visitors (96%) would be likely to return again.

"This will result in a weekend of increased trade for business across the city which can only spell good news for the local economy"

Jim Roddy of the City Centre Initiative, said: "The Jazz Festival is always a fantastic boost to the local economy and I'm sure this year will be no exception.

"This event always highlights Derry at its very best, attracting people from all over the world to enjoy our vibrant and diverse city."

This festival is arranged by Derry City Council in partnership with DCAL/NITB's Major Events Fund and Diageo/Guinness.

For further information visit www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com or follow festival updates on the City of Culture2013 Facebook site.