Des Hopkins International Dixieland Jazz Band – Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2026

About this event

A familiar favourite of the Cork jazz weekend, the Des Hopkins International Dixieland Jazz Band returns to the Clayton Cork City Hotel for three days of spirited traditional jazz, with two performances each day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and special guests joining the celebrations.

Led by Irish drummer Des Hopkins, the band brings the music of the Jazz Age to life with swinging rhythms, lively ensemble playing and much-loved songs from the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s. Expect an entertaining mix of instrumental flair and vocals, delivered with the warmth and good humour that have made their festival appearances so popular.

The band’s roots lie in Ireland’s original Guinness Jazz Band, a firm favourite during the 1980s and ’90s. Since then, they have performed at jazz festivals and clubs throughout Europe, with regular appearances in Germany, Scandinavia, the UK and Ireland.

Des has brought his band to the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival for more than 40 years and the Derry Jazz Festival for 18 years. That long association with Cork makes these performances a chance to enjoy a much-loved festival tradition—and to welcome some fresh musical company.

Special guests for the festival weekend

Joining the band across the weekend are Enrico Tomasso on trumpet, Tom Kincaid from Manchester on piano, Dan Hammerton from Leeds on trumpet and trombone, and John McCormick from Liverpool on bass. Alongside Des Hopkins and saxophonist and clarinettist Arthur O’Neill, they promise plenty of musical conversation and swinging Dixieland.

Regular band line-up

• Paul Moore – Bass
• Fintan Gilligan – Guitar
• Arthur O’Neill – Saxophone and clarinet
• Bill Blackmore – Trumpet
• Jim Clarke – Trombone
• Des Hopkins – Drums

Whether you’re a devoted traditional jazz listener or simply looking for a welcoming place to soak up the festival atmosphere, join Des and his musical guests at the Clayton Cork City Hotel.

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