Jazzing it up for festival’s 40th birthday bash

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 Bank Holiday weekend gigs will feature hundreds of musicians and street acts, who are expected to attract more than 40,000 visitors to the city. Last night’s open air concert in Emmet Place was headlined by Brian Deady and multi-platinum singer-songwriter, Paddy Casey.

Today’s highlights include the Jazz Parade, which starts on Washington Street at 1pm.