Organisers of County Derry Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival announce end of an era

The organisers behind a popular County Derry music festival have announced that the event will not be taking place this year.

The committee of the Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival, which usually takes place in Limavady every May, have said their decision comes at a time when they are finding it 'increasingly challenging' to fund the event and find suitable venues to host it.

The festival was founded in 1997 and over the years has brought top quality Jazz and Blues acts from all around the globe to the north Derry town.

Announcing the news on social media on Saturday, a spokesperson also confirmed that they have no plans to bring back the popular festival in its current annual format.

“It is with great regret that the Festival Committee announce that there will be no Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival in 2024,” they said.  

“In recent years it has become increasingly challenging to fund, organise and find enough venues to put on a festival that is worthy of its good name.

“The world (and our wee town of Limavady) has changed vastly since the inception of the festival in 1997, and as a result we feel the format of the festival does not work as well as it once did.

“At present, we have no plans to bring back the festival in its annual format, but we are still passionate to bring live music to the Roe Valley, and will be announcing regular 'Danny Boy Sessions' ticketed events soon. We know this will be disappointing news to many of our followers, and we share your feelings.  

“We are truly grateful to all the venues and staff, sponsors, artists and of course the audiences that have supported us down through the years. It's been some journey. 

“We hope to see you all again as as we try to #keepmusiclive in Limavady in the near future.”

Irish singer/songwriter Kaz Hawkins expressed her disappointment at the news.

“Heartbreaking news for all the team, volunteers and community. Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival supported me 100% before I took off across Europe. It’s one the festivals I credit helping build my fanbase when nobody really knew who I was! I hope I can give as much back to Danny Boy and the fans that have stayed with me because of this festival when I return to perform for you all,” she said.

A spokesperson for popular local band Stout said the event will be 'greatly missed'.

“Many years of fantastic worldwide acts were brought to Limavady by Jazz and Blues. This will be greatly missed by all. Huge thanks to all of the oraganisers both past and present here....many months of work went in to the annual planning of the event ... we hope that they can get this back in some format in years to come. Driving through the town today was pitiful. This town has a problem, let's hope we all vote for the answer on the next local elections,” they said.

One music lover who attended the festival every year described the news as 'very sad'.

“Absolutely gutted to hear this. Just don't know what we're going to do that weekend now. This festival for us was always set in stone on our calendar. Very sad news indeed. We have to thank the organisers for all of their hard work over so many years. Memories that will last a lifetime. Thanks to each and every one of you,” the man said.