Press Release

Jazz festival strikes gold at NITB awards

2nd June 2009

Last week, at a gala ceremony held in the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival was crowned the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s Event of the Year for 2008 at the celebrated Northern Ireland Tourism Awards 2009. The city’s Tower Museum was also deservingly recognised, receiving a high commendation in the Best Visitor Experience category.

Organised by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in association with Diageo Northern Ireland, the NITA are now into their 31st year and on the evening the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival scooped the top award in the Best Event category. Pictured are Gerald McColgan, Valerie Watts and Paul Woodall from award sponsors Norfolkline Irish Sea Ferry Services.

Congratulating the festival organisers and staff of Council’s Heritage and Museums service, Derry City Council's Town Clerk and Chief Executive Valerie Watts said,

“This is an incredible recognition for the growth of the festival. The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival has become one of the city’s most popular musical event attracting over 24,000 to the city and an estimated economic benefit of £1.2 million. Thanks to the support from sponsors, Diageo, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, E&I Engineering and BBC Radio Foyle the event continues to go from strength to strength.

“It has also been quite a week for the Tower Museum who were also recognised at the Heritage Council’s 2009 Ireland Museum of the Year awards. Congratulations to everyone involved in achieving this outstanding recognition for the city”

This is the sixth award for Derry City Council this year for initiative and commitment to services. This month Council were regional winners of the Enterprising Britain competition in association with North West Marketing, going on to represent Northern Ireland at the finals later this year. Earlier this year, the work of Council’s grounds maintenance staff was also recognised when they won the Best City category in the Translink Ulster in Bloom competition and Council also received the Change Champions in Practice accolade for Self Insurance at the Northern Ireland Local Government awards.

Ends

Press Office

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