It was almost lost due to a lack of funding and resources but, in a triumph of people-power, the eighth edition of the Ballydehob Jazz Festival will be launched this week.

A carnival atmosphere grips a number of coastal towns and villages in south-west Cork this bank holiday weekend as summer time officially kicks in.

With temperatures still a little on the cool side, music lovers could do worse than head to Bray this coming weekend. With musicians from more than 30 international acts on its jazz trail, Bray Jazz Festival looks set to see the mercury rising.

The Neil Cowley Trio favour tight tunes over loose improvisation.