‘Great buzz’ leading up to annual jazz festival in Cork 

More than 100,000 visitors from home and abroad are expected to pack into the pubs, hotels, music venues, and restaurants of Cork from now until Monday, bringing with them a much-needed spending boost for the city’s economy as the Guinness Jazz Festival gets into tune for the annual musical jamboree.

The festival, now in its 46th year, has grown to be one of the world’s most highly-rated jazz celebrations.

Cork Airport managing director Niall McCarthy said the passenger numbers, expected to exceed 55,000, are up 4% on last year’s figures.

“Live music in an airport terminal is special any time of the year, but really special with the jazz bands and the craic over the October bank holiday weekend,” he said.

People who are not passengers are welcome to come to the airport to enjoy some of the festival music in the terminal, according to Cork Airport communications manager Barry Holland.

Mr Holland pointed out there would be live music from Friday to Sunday as the terminal is part of the festival’s official ‘Big Fringe’.

For Aaron Mansworth, president of the Cork Business Association and managing director of Trigon Hotels, the Guinness Jazz Festival is a time to celebrate all that is positive, and he is hoping that putting out the Child of Prague will ensure the weather stays clement for the five-day festival.

“We’re all up to our tonsils, the week that’s in it,” he said.

“It’s very positive, there’s a great buzz leading up to it, ticket sales are good, and there seems to be a real feelgood factor about it.”

Mr Mansworth pointed out that this year’s festival is expected to bring an estimated €45m boost to the local economy.

He said that the festival had become an “integral part of Cork’s cultural fabric”, and its “significance to our city’s tourism and economy cannot be overstated”.

“Events like the Guinness Jazz Festival drive both day-time and night-time activity, contributing immensely to Cork’s hospitality sector.”

He added that the hospitality industry was facing ongoing financial challenges.

“A vibrant festival like this can provide a much needed boost,” he said.

“We’re hopeful that the weekend will be a success for the city and its businesses, helping to sustain the vitality of Cork’s economy.

“Let’s all come together to make a memorable and beneficial occasion for everyone.”

At the Metropole Hotel, one of the key venues for festivalgoers, the tickets for evening jazz performances are all sold out, but there will be numerous complimentary sessions at the MacCurtain St hub throughout each day of the festival.