The craic will be absolutely mighty.

The Ballydehob Jazz Festival is back in full swing for its 17th edition this May bank holiday weekend, with a special treat for younger visitors.

The village’s vibrant community has been pulling together to channel Ballydehob’s energy through the legendary New Orleans-style Sunday Funeral Parade, this year themed the Carnival of Creatures.

The wild procession will be led by Modh Coinníollach (The Good Mood) muppet, “a physical manifestation of the village’s sunny predisposition”.

Expect muppets in every shape and size, from the beautiful and majestic to weird and spooky alongside music, spectacle, and lots of colour.

All that jazz

Music lovers can look forward to unique live original shows, a free music trail of over 30 Irish and international acts, a jazz poetry slam, swing dance lessons, a late-night jazz club for adults, a circus school for kids, flower and food workshops and a craft market, which is guaranteed to draw the crowds down west.

Not to be missed is the world premiere of Swedish-born Camilla Griehsel’s new studio album show Mamasongue Source, alongside exceptional musicians all the way from the Congo and South Africa.

Headlining on Saturday is the wildly anticipated TarantaCeltica; a multi-instrumentalist high energy musical collaborative that combines the rhythmic percussions of Southern Italy with traditional Irish jigs and melodies that guarantee to have the crowd on their feet.

“It’s amazing how the festival has evolved from a bunch of jazz enthusiasts wanting to bring music of world stage standard to our small village 18 years ago, to a true celebration of the wild energy of jazz interpreted by an incredibly talented creative community, alongside local and international acts like Donal Dineen, the Canibal Dandies, Tacla, The Schmoozenbergs, Eve Clague, Duelling Pianos, Mafia Cats,” says BJF Creative Director Joe O’Leary, owner of local music venue Levis Corner House.

“How this village pulls together is incredible.”

There are plenty of free events for all ages to enjoy, with some ticketed concerts. Weekend passes to all headline shows are €65 at ballydehobjazzfestival.org.