Follow the Rhythm: Let the Guinness Jazz Trail Lead Your Festival Journey
23 April 2026
Organisers of the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival are delighted to announce the return of the Guinness Jazz Trail as the festival celebrates its milestone 25th anniversary, making it easier than ever for festivalgoers to plan their weekend and experience more of what’s on offer across the city.
Marking a quarter-century of world-class music, the 2026 festival promises to be a landmark celebration, bringing together the very best of local and international jazz talent. The Guinness Jazz will help audiences navigate the packed programme and uncover standout performances throughout the event.
Set to kick off in just one week the festival will light up the City from Wednesday 29th April through to Monday 4th May 2026, with venues across the walled city hosting an exciting mix of local talent and internationally renowned artists. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying a diverse programme of live music and events.
The Festival will play host to hundreds of performers across dozens of venues, with everything from authentic jazz, big bands and alfresco gigs to New Orlean’s style parades and music and dance workshops. The Guinness Jazz Trail brings it all together in one place, making it simple for audiences to explore, discover new acts, and plan their perfect festival experience.
The full line-up is available via the official festival website, with daily highlights and updates shared across social media channels to keep audiences up to date throughout the weekend.
Festival Coordinator, Aisling McCallion said the team is excited to see the return of the Trail:
“We’re thrilled to welcome back the Guiness Jazz Trail as we celebrate 25 yhears of the City fo Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival. With so much happening across the city, the trail is an invaluable guide for audiences, helping them make the most of the programme, whether they’re following their favourite artists or discovering something new. This promises to be an incredible weekend of music.”
This year’s City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival Trail is be sponsored by Diageo. Head of Commercial NI, Mark Mulholland, said Diageo is proud to support this landmark moment for one of the region’s most celebrated cultural events.
“Diageo is absolutely delighted to support this special anniversary year of the City of Derry Jazz Festival. For 25 years, the festival has showcased the very best of the North West’s vibrant cultural scene, while welcoming world-class artists and visitors from around the world.
“We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the annual Jazz Festival, a cornerstone event that plays a vital role in showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and hospitality sector. This ongoing partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the on-trade and creating memorable experiences for consumers through high-quality events. We look forward to building on the success of previous years and working closely with organisers and local venues to deliver another outstanding festival.”
The festival is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council, with support from Diageo, Visit Derry and Share Energy.
To explore the Guinness Jazz Trail and view the full programme, visit the official festival website here www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com
Follow The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival on social media for the latest updates.