THE 1996 Cork Jazz Festival ended yesterday and organisers declared it one of the most outstanding festivals in the event's 19 years.
Visiting navy personnel from France, Holland and Ireland joined in, adding a colourful dimension to proceedings. The jazz least is thought to have brought millions of pounds to the city during the holiday weekend.
At a final press briefing in Guinness House in Cork, the festival director, Mr Brian Brown, said about 40,000 people had gathered for the event which had never been better supported.
"The feedback - we have received from hotels, restaurants, taxis and shops is that Cork has had an incredibly busy weekend," Mr Brown said.
Pubs on the Guinness jazz trail were packed to capacity and storm force winds failed to interrupt the fun.
There was jazz of all sorts, from trad to mainstream and avant garde. Some of the great jazz names, including Clark Terry and Harry "Sweets" Edison, mingled with lesser known players.
Mr Brown said the festival had an assured future and added that Guinness was looking forward to presenting it again next year.