THE EVER-POPULAR Guinness Cork Jazz Festival receives zero funding from the Arts Council and would not survive without its sponsors, the festival programme director said yesterday.
Jack McGouran said he was very grateful to Guinness for its support especially given the lack of State assistance for the festival.
"The Arts Council is putting money into jazz festivals all over the country but it doesn't put a penny in to the Cork Jazz Festival.
"It would require State funding to keep it going at the level it is if a major sponsor pulled out. It is a big event for Guinness. They love the event and they are very strong and loyal supporters of this event."
Guinness has sponsored the festival for 28 years, having taken over from cigarette company John Player in 1980.
About 1,000 musicians from 30 countries will perform in concerts, clubs and pubs throughout Cork city this weekend as 40,000-plus revellers flock to the city.
The line-up includes Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, the Yellowjackets, Lee Konitz, David Murray and Cedar Walton.
A major attraction will be the double bill of Acker Bilk and Kenny Ball whose bands will play back to back at Cork Opera House.
Other top names include Cindy Blackman, Courtney Pine, Laura Izibor, Trans Am, the Poets of Rhythm, Sly Robbie and Rick Margitza.
Renowned as Europe's friendliest jazz festival, the event has hosted many of the "greats" of jazz in its 31-year history.
Stars such as Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich, Gerry Mulligan, Dave Brubeck, Cleo Laine, Joe Zawinul, Wynton Marsalis and Sonny Rollins have thrilled its audiences over the years.
The full festival programme can be accessed at www.corkjazzfestival.com