From Doubt to Jazz Glory: Derry's Festival Hits 25 Years and 100,000 Fans!

The City of Derry Jazz Festival is now one of the biggest music events in Northern Ireland, but it started with a lot of doubt. When Johnny Murray first suggested the idea of a jazz festival in Derry back in 2001, many people thought it was a bad idea. Some bar staff even told him he was 'off his head' for thinking jazz would be popular in the city. Despite these doubts, Johnny and his friend Gerard McColgan believed Derry needed something new and exciting. They got the idea after visiting a jazz festival in Cork and thought their own city could benefit from a similar event.

In the beginning, it was hard to convince bars and clubs to join in. Johnny asked each bar to try booking just one jazz act for the first year. He wanted them to give it a chance and see how people reacted. The first festival had about 6,000 visitors, which was a good start. Each year, more venues joined, and the number of performances grew. Now, the festival has more than 400 shows in 70 different places around Derry, and about 100,000 people come to enjoy the music during the May bank holiday weekend.

One reason for the festival's success is its variety. Instead of focusing only on pure jazz, the organizers included many styles like swing, ska, blues, and big band music. This made the festival more interesting for a wider audience. Over the years, famous musicians such as Jools Holland, Van Morrison, and Billy Ocean have performed, along with talented local artists. The festival also gives young musicians and school bands a chance to play, helping them develop their skills. Today, the City of Derry Jazz Festival is a huge event that brings people together, fills hotels, and makes Derry a lively place for music lovers every year.