Cork Airport Strengthens Ties with Guinness Cork Jazz Festival

Cork Airport has renewed its partnership with the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, a prominent cultural event celebrating its 47th year. This collaboration is part of the airport’s 2025 Community Fund, reinforcing its commitment to local cultural initiatives. The festival, attracting visitors from various regions, significantly contributes an estimated €45 million to the local economy.

The festival will take place over the October Bank Holiday weekend, featuring a diverse lineup of artists such as Cymande, JP Cooper, Maverick Sabre, the Adrian Younge Orchestra, and Lee Fields & The Expressions. This year’s program prominently showcases Irish talent, including Tolü Makay, The Tumbling Paddies, Luke Thomas & The Swing Cats, and Cork’s own The Sultans of Ping.

In addition to main performances, the festival will host an extensive “Big Fringe” program, bringing jazz to various locations including Cork city suburbs, Kinsale, and even Cork Airport itself. Live music will resonate through the airport terminal on October 24, 25, and 26, enhancing the travel experience for visitors arriving for the festival. Free performances at the festival stage on Emmet Place and the iconic “Jazz Parade” are also set to enrich the event, which is expected to engage both locals and tourists alike.

Cork Airport serves as the international gateway for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, welcoming tens of thousands of attendees each year. The airport’s longstanding association with the festival dates back to its founding in 1978, during which it has hosted numerous renowned musicians, including Kenny Ball, Ronnie Scott, Cleo Laine, Spike Robinson, Humphrey Littleton, and the legendary Ella Fitzgerald.

Looking ahead to this year’s festival, Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director of Cork Airport, expressed pride in the nearly 50-year partnership. He stated, “The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is an icon of the tourism and music calendar in Cork for decades. We are really proud of our nearly 50-year association with this wonderful feast of jazz, which brings visitors, both domestic and international, to our city and region each year.”

In a show of gratitude, Fiona Collins, Chair of the Cork Jazz Festival, acknowledged Cork Airport’s vital support. “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Cork Airport, whose continued support helps us welcome the world to Cork each October. The Cork Jazz Festival is a kaleidoscope of sound and colour, filling our streets, venues, and hearts with brass and joy. From world-class acts to spontaneous street performances, it’s a celebration of music that transforms Cork into a stage for everyone,” she remarked.

For additional details about the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, interested parties can visit guinnesscorkjazz.com. The festival promises to be another vibrant celebration, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of Cork while boosting local tourism and community spirit.