Brought to you by Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.

Rain or shine, Cork is ready.

A weekend of world-class music, packed venues and plenty of jazz awaits as visitors arrive on Leeside from around Ireland and the world.

The 48th Guinness Cork Jazz Festival officially got underway this evening with an opening event at Cork Opera House, marking the beginning of one of the biggest and most anticipated weekends in Cork’s cultural calendar.

The opening event featured a performance by trumpeter, neo-soul singer, and rapper Diamond, before a packed performance by Yussef Dayes, a South London drummer and composer known for his explosive, genre-blurring blend of jazz, soul, Afrobeat, and broken-beat rhythms, in the auditorium.

Keyon Harrold and Marcus Strickland at the opening of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival at Cork Opera House. Photo Darragh Kane

For almost five decades, the festival has built a reputation for bringing legendary artists and contemporary innovators to the city, alongside emerging talent and a huge programme of free performances, creating a unique programme that appeals to dedicated jazz fans and music lovers alike.

More than 500 musicians will perform across 100 events and almost 80 venues throughout the city and beyond, with music filling concert halls, theatres, hotels, pubs, clubs, streets and unexpected corners of the city, while providing a major boost to the city’s economy.

Luiseach Alexander and Lucy O’Byrne, Dublin, pictured at the opening of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival at Cork Opera House, Photo Darragh Kane

Pure Cork creativity

Speaking at the opening night event, Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Damian Boylan, said the festival is an important part of what makes Cork a festival city.

“The festival celebrates Cork’s creativity, our hospitality, our love of music and festivals, and our ability to bring people together.” he said.

“What began at the Metropole Hotel has grown into Ireland’s largest city-based music festival and a festival of international standing, bringing visitors from Ireland and around the world to our city. It is a major contributor to Cork’s economy, supporting businesses and jobs across the city.”

The festival is expected to deliver a significant boost to Cork’s hospitality, tourism and wider business community this weekend, with hotels, restaurants, pubs, venues and businesses across the city preparing for one of the busiest weekends of the year. Nearly 60,000 passengers are travelling through Cork Airport over the weekend.

Guinness is continuing its long-standing support of the festival, with Colin Kenny, Head of Commercial, South West, also speaking at the opening night event.

“Guinness is incredibly proud to continue to support this brilliant festival, which is one of the most exciting weekends in Ireland’s music scene.” Kenny said.

He also paid tribute to the festival committee, volunteers, partners, venues and businesses whose work makes the weekend possible.

Earlier this year, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival was named Best Festival in Cork at the Cork Business Association Awards, recognising the scale and contribution of the festival and the work involved in bringing it to life.

What to book this weekend

With many headline shows such as Annie Mac, Boney M, Berlioz, and Kokoroko already sold out and strong last-minute demand, festival-goers are being encouraged to check availability and book remaining ticketed performances, while also making time to experience the huge programme of free music across the city.

Tonight, audiences can catch The Music of John Coltrane & Miles Davis, a special festival curation by trumpeter and composer Keyon Harrold and saxophonist Marcus Strickland.

On Friday night, there are some last remaining tickets available for Jaz Karis and 2FM Rising artist Jessica Doolan at Live at St Luke’s, while Riversphere feat. Iain Ballamy & Rob Luft take to Triskel, and Jason Moran brings his acclaimed signature solo piano show to the city.

Jason Moran

On Saturday, a second late show has been added for festival favourite Luke Thomas and the Swingcats at The Everyman, following the rapid sell-out of the first show.

Rounding out the weekend on Sunday night at Cork Opera House, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, supported by Cooks But We’re Chefs, will provide a feel-good finale.

Where to catch the best free music

Beyond the main stages, the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival spills into the streets, pubs, hotels and venues throughout the weekend.

The free Guinness Music Trail will bring live music to 70 venues across the city, while The Big Fringe adds street performances, brass bands, pop-up performances and plenty of unexpected festival moments.

Highlights include the Jazz Stroll on Oliver Plunkett Street from 6.30pm on Friday, Jazz at Elizabeth Fort throughout the weekend, the Jazz Market on St Patrick’s Street, the Live at the Library series, the Jazz Bus and much more. You’ll also catch jazz in Kinsale and Douglas.

Lamarotte Jazz Band from the Netherlands jazzing through the streets of Kinsale. Picture. John Allen

Furthermore, Guinness will bring two free ticketed pop-up events to the festival: an intimate Snug Sessions pub session at Arthur’s Bar Friday evening and an exclusive late-night party with Kumar Klub at The Oliver Plunkett Saturday night.

The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival takes place until Monday, October 26th. For full programme details, remaining tickets and the latest festival news, visit guinnesscorkjazz.com or follow @guinnesscorkjazz using #GuinnessCorkJazz.

The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is supported by Diageo, Fáilte Ireland, Cork City Council and Cork Airport.