DERRY'S economy is set
to hit a high note this weekend as the city tunes up
for the annual Jazz Festival.
Now in its 9th year, the Jazz and Big Band Festival
has developed into one of the most successful events
in the city. Research from last year’s event
revealed that 93% of visitors to the festival rated
it positively. The festival attracted high numbers
of visitors and additional revenue was generated
from the high proportion of people (85%) who were in
the city especially for the festival.
Businesses including bars, restaurants, hotels and
other accommodation providers, as well as transport
companies, saw a boost to their income over the Jazz
Festival weekend in 2009. They are expecting the
same again this year.
Derry Mayor, Cllr Paul Fleming said: "In current
economic climate, the city’s economy relies on
revenue generated from events like this and the Jazz
Festival is one of our greatest successes. I am
delighted that Derry City Council have organised
this event that will bring important economic
benefits to businesses across the city and
district."
Festival organiser
Johnny Murray said the committee had worked very
hard to secure top quality artists who would provide
an exciting weekend of music.
"Research from last year’s event suggests that 96%
of visitors would be likely to return again. This
will result in a weekend of increased trade for
business across the city which can only spell good
news for the local economy," he said.
Meanwhile, the City Centre Initiative's Jim Roddy
said the event "always highlights Derry at its very
best". He said it succeeded in attracting people
from all over the world to enjoy "our vibrant and
diverse city". For more on the festival,
click here.
