It's almost time to watch our beautiful city and its independents come alive with Jazz music and big bands for a magnificent five days (EXCITED).
Many venues are getting geared up to host artists from all over the world and welcome more than 70,000 revellers over the May bank holiday weekend to enjoy the City of Derry Jazz Festival.
We suppose it's a bit like St Patrick's day (only 4 days longer); a similar buzz around town, acceptable to enjoy a pint or ten from noon and spending your whole day listening to live music in a hustling bar or restaurant. THE DREAM.
Here's our guide to using your Independent Derry card during the event: 1) THOMPSON'S RESTAURANT - THE CITY HOTEL Cardholders can enjoy 10% off the total food bill Sun-Thurs at Thompson's Restaurant in the City Hotel who have live Jazz acts on across the bank holiday weekend.
2) THE PLAYHOUSE THEATRE The Playhouse Theatre on Artillery Street will see some top jazz acts take to their stage from Thursday right through until Monday. Cardholders can enjoy 2 for £5.00 on any bottled beer // glasses of wine during a show with their card. Tickets for Playhouse shows can be booked at derryplayhouse.co.uk
3) GUILDHALL TAPHOUSE Get yourself some grub and local beers under the fairy lights or al fresco at Guildhall Taphouse. Home to the local beer that is 'Dopey Dick,' a beer that probably has the best story behind its name that a craft beer ever did have. Make sure to read the bottle to learn about the humorous name behind this beer. 10% off Mon-Thurs with your card.
4) WALLED CITY BREWERY Enjoy some of the best local produce at Walled City Brewery, a venue that is not only a restaurant but a fully operating brewery too. All beers on draught here at brewed by owner himself!10% off Tues-Thurs with your card.
5) DERRY GUIDED TOURS
With the wonderful atmosphere and crowds that the Jazz Festival brings, there's no better time to take a walking tour of the city. Whether you live in the city and want to learn a little more about it or have friends and family visiting for the event, your card can get you some discount here too. 10% off groups 1-9 // 20% off groups 10 or more (all walking tours incl the popular Derry Girls tour) with your card.
6) BRICKWORK LOUNGE
Exquisite cocktails, great beers and cute colourful benches outside. If anything like last year, you can expect a mega street party on Castle Street every single day of the Jazz Festival. 10% off Mon-Wed with your card.
7) MEKONG STREET FOOD
Another independent on Castle Street that is the perfect spot for some quality food and drink before heading to watch the big bands. Mekong serve authentic Asian, Thai and Vietnamese food, using fresh local ingredients. And more recently they even launched their very own Mekong street beer (rocket fuel). 10% off Tues-Sat lunchtime menu with your card.
8) THE EVERGLADES HOTEL
The Everglades Hotel are also hosting a number of jazz acts across the festival. Cardholders can enjoy 15% off food in the Grill Restaurant at the hotel Mon-Fri.
9) THE QUIRKY RAVEN COFFEE CO
If a good cup of coffee and several slices of cake is what you're after then The Quirky Raven can be sure to sort that. The cafe on Spencer Road will see some live jazz music takeover the venue on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival. 10% off everyday at the cafe with your card.
10) GRAND CENTRAL BAR
This little beauty of a pub is over 90 years old and is known for hosting memorable live music sessions all year round. Small, intimate and also another venue that is home to the local craft beer Dopey Dick, you'll be able to get your jazz on here too! 10% off Mon-Thurs with your card.
Download the INDEPENDENT DERRY APP to view ALL of the places your card can be used across the festival. Helping you save a few quid whilst discovering and supporting the independent scene in our city. You can also access locations, opening times and other business info on our app. Available on iOS and Android. Check out the full Jazz Festival programme here.