VIDEO: Pubs run dry as Cork Jazz Festival fans shelter from rain

The torrential rain drove the remaining die-hard jazz fans indoors, with Chicago-born Karen Underwood bringing her renditions of Jazz classics to the Met Bar, while The New York Brass Band delighted junior members of the audience at The River Lee Hotel with its version of ‘Let It Go’ from hit Disney movie Frozen.

It was Gemma Bell’s first year as festival manager for the event now in its 37th year. “It’s my first ever festival and it’s blown me away,” she said. “Doing a walk-around and seeing the sheer numbers of people on the streets and the atmosphere has been amazing.”

With some pubs reporting takings up 20% on last year, the 2015 festival was busier than ever. “We had pubs running out of beer,” Ms Bell said. “It’s early to say, but we estimate that ticket sales were up 10% on last year.”