THE Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is set to get bigger and better in the years ahead, local publican Paul Montgomery has said.

Mr Montgomery, who owns the popular nightclub Reardens, said there were thousands of people on Washington Street alone enjoying the jazz festivities over the weekend.

“It was one of the best jazz weekends ever. It was completely trouble free and everyone seemed to have great fun.

“The quality of music was of a very high standard. I think a lot of venues are really putting in the effort to stand out this year and it has lead to a stellar line-up across the city.”

Mr Montgomery said everywhere was buzzing and there was more of an emphasis on a family friendly experience rather than just pubs and clubs.

Looking ahead to next year, Mr Montgomery said he expected the festival to continue growing.

“I think Diageo and Guinness have made a strong commitment to the festival and to the expansion of the celebration.

“I think it is expanding beyond the bars to include wining and dining experience which is an added bonus.”

Lord Mayor Tony Fitzgerald agreed the festival had potential to get even bigger and also said this year’s celebrations were some of the best he had ever seen.

“It has been an amazing weekend. One of the best ever. There have been so many visitors that I have met, over from USA, New Zealand and the UK, thanking me on behalf of the Cork people for their hospitality and warm welcome.

Mr Fitzgerald paid tribute to the organisers of the festival along with the founders of the festival that had the vision to start it all off 40 years ago. 

“I think it is having a very positive impact on the reputation of Cork on an international scale and it is a model of best practice on how to organise a festival for the public. We have a lot to offer, great food, great venues, lovely people and excellent music, it is important we showcase that.”