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.

THE recession blues were banished in Cork at the weekend, when over 50,000 revellers attended the Guinness Jazz Festival, worth in the region of €6 million to the city.

Amy Winehouse was forced to abandon a comeback gig in St Lucia after torrential rain hit the island, her spokesman said today.

Amy Winehouse described it as an “honour” to be playing St Lucia’s jazz festival today, as a reward for the locals who have welcomed her.