Mix of relief and caution as Cork swings to sound of live jazz

Ireland’s first major festival since the Covid-19 pandemic hit almost 20 months ago has kicked off

People queue up on Emmett Place outside Cork Opera House on the Guinness Cork Jazz 2021 opening night. Picture: Gavin Browne

It was a mix of relief and caution as Cork City started swinging to the sound of live jazz tonight as Ireland’s first major festival since the Covid-19 pandemic hit almost 20 months ago kicked off.

The 43rd Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, which is worth an estimated €45m to the city’s economy, is in full swing citywide with seated venues and socially distanced queues in operation.