It’s a festival that never fails to deliver.

And this year, the 345 residents of Ballydehob are once again busy making preparations to welcome more than 8,000 revellers as the Ballydehob Jazz Festival returns for its 20th edition.

From April 30th to May 4th, Ballydehob will fill with music, street performances, dance, circus, puppetry and creativity, welcoming visitors from across Ireland and beyond to experience what has become one of the most colourful and joyful festivals on the Irish cultural calendar.

Festival director Joseph O’Leary says the anniversary edition is both a celebration and a homecoming.

“It’s all about the friendships formed in this artistic and creative community.” he said.

“Over 20 festivals we’ve seen musicians, artists and audiences come together in Ballydehob to create something very special. This year is a gathering of the best of what has come before – a celebration of the music, the creativity and the people who made it all happen.”

A choice of special concerts will take place this year, including:

• Paul Dunlea Quintet debut the Loch Trasna Suite, with support from Catalan artist Lau Noah

• Benji Bower premieres Trasnaíocht, a genre-blending piece exploring migration and home

• Stephanie Nilles & Tom Deakin (USA) return with their signature wit and musical flair

• Late-night sessions with Canibal Dandies, The Blue Mockingbirds, Donal Dineen & guest DJs

A cornerstone of the festival, the village-wide music trail will feature over 40 free live performances across pubs, cafés and outdoor spaces throughout Ballydehob. From jazz and blues to folk, experimental sounds and spontaneous collaborations, the trail brings music into every corner of the village.

Beyond the concert stage, the festival spills out into the streets with a vibrant programme of circus, street theatre, dance and visual spectacle too, with a food market and a free circus school for children.

For a full programme and ticket information visit ballydehobjazzfestival.org.

Photos: Zoe Holman