Pool parties, popular music and literary pursuits are all on the agenda for Munster’s first ever live-in weekender which is being launched later today.

Youngsters from the Cork Music Generation joining the New York Brass Band to play Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’ on the open-air stage in Emmet Place encapsulated an unofficial theme for this year’s Guinness Cork Jazz festival: The international musical connections the festival has built up over its 40-year history.

A party atmosphere kicked off the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival when large crowds thronged a free open-air concert, signalling the start of celebrations for the festival’s 40th birthday.

Up to 40,000 people are expected to jive their way through the 40th Guinness Cork Jazz Festival this bank holiday weekend, with free open-air gigs, a jazz parade, and an open top jazz bus among the highlights.

Festivalgoers have been warned to act cautiously if buying tickets second-hand for this weekend’s Indiependence Music Festival which gets underway today.

Des O’Driscoll with the latest entertainment news and events

Most of Ireland’s big music events have unveiled their lineups. Ed Power rounds up his top 10.

PPI-award winning broadcaster, Ray Foley, will co-present a new breakfast show on Cork’s RedFM’s with Jason Coughlan from Monday.

The organisers of a 10,000 capacity music festival expect it to sell out well in advance after announcing a raft of artists will appear alongside Manic Street Preachers, The Coronas and Sigma.

With 2016 having one extra second on the clock there are dozens of ways to ring in the New Year around the country.

Brian Deady’s disappearing act was strategic to his new deal with Decca Records says, Ed Power

MUSIC NEWS: Didn’t make it to one of the 22 London shows? At least Kate Bush is releasing the resultant live album on November 22. 

All aboard! Culture vultures are set to roam the streets of Ireland tonight sampling some of the estimated 3,000 free events in museums, galleries, theatres, churches, historic houses, and studios for Culture Night — but in Cork, they’ll travel in style.

From LCD Soundsystem to Brian Deady, Ed Power offers his selection of must-sees for Stradbally

MUSIC NEWS: Cork singer Brian Deady announced good news this week in that he has been signed to major label Decca. 

All the latest entertainment news today

Des O’Driscoll shares the latest news from the world of showbiz

Cork-raised Brian Deady worked through personal traumas to produce his impressive new album, writes Ed Power

MUSIC NEWS: Fans of Bombay Bicycle Club got a nice bonus at the band’s gig in Earls Court last weekend when the Londoners were joined on stage by David Gilmour. 

The organisers of this year's Forbidden Fruit festival have today announced the line-up for the Comedy Stage.

Cork guy covers Robin Thicke's infectious hit using whatever was handy in the kitchen. We like.

Bruff scored two superb tries on their way to handing out a notable 25-5 defeat to Ballymena in the opening round of Division 1B this afternoon.

Festival organisers have released the schedule for this weekend’s Electric Picnic festival.

With just six weeks to go, 11 new acts have been confirmed for the Electric Picnic festival in Stradbally, Co Laois.