Jazz festival set to return to Ballydehob again
By Daniel O'Neill
Ballydehop is revving up to host a bank holiday weekend of celebration, music, and creativity.
The Ballydehob Jazz Festival is making its comeback on 2 May and, as always, promises a stellar lineup of global talent and homegrown creativity. In a time where our world feels divided, this festival is sure to create new connections between people and help people bond over a shared love of jazz.
Festival director Joseph O’Leary said: “We’re so excited to welcome everyone back to Ballydehob. With everything going on globally, the cruelty, oppression, and negativity we see daily, it feels more important than ever to gather, celebrate, and share joy. This festival is about freedom of expression, community, and making magic together.”
Run almost entirely by a tireless and passionate team of volunteers, the festival has grown from a small celebration to a beloved, international event where acts from across the world make an effort to join.
One of the highlights this year is the festival hall concert where acclaimed, multi-award-winning Benji Bower presents his breathtaking work ‘Terra Coda’ featuring musicians from the UK and West Cork like Molly O’Mahony, Leoni Evans, and Kathleen Frances.
More international artists will be featured at the festival such as Montpellier’s Canibal Dandies and Belgium’s Blue Mockingbirds who will bring their old time jazz energy to the late night festival club Moonshine Shindig.
A favourite among fans is the music trail that features over 50 free performances across four days and nights. It will feature hip hop percussionist Alex Gough from Cork along with respected artists from across the globe. The trail is free and accessible for all thanks to the generosity of local businesses.
One of the most unique parts of the festival is The Carnival of Creatures Parade which teams up with the Ballydehob Puppet Company to create an amazing display of performers and puppets.
Belfast’s one and only Tumble Circus will also be making an appearance. The group of skilled acrobatics will perform their aerial show outdoors in the Ballydehob playground, a highlight for all families.
The festival isn’t just about the performances however, it’s about year-round community spirit. Schools across Ballydehob host workshops to help feed into the festival spirit, building connection and creativity throughout the year.
For the third year in a row, ticket prices remain the same, reflecting the team’s belief that the arts should never be the preserve of the wealthy, especially amid a cost-of-living crisis.
The Ballydehob Jazz Festival is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland, Cork County Council Arts and Tourism Departments, the Crespo Foundation, and Cully & Sully, and Richmond Marketing.