The 45th Guinness Jazz Festival was officially opened yesterday evening in the Metropole Hotel, Cork City by the Tánaiste Micheál Martin.

The opening was also attended by Lord Mayor of Cork Councillor Kieran McCarthy who began his speech with an amazing rendition of the song 'Smile'. Other dignitaries attending were Cllr. Sheila O'Callaghan who was deputising for the Cork County Council Major and Rob Horgan vice president of of Cork Chamber.

There were speeches from Colin Kenny Sales and Quality Manager - South at Diageo. Fiona Collins, Chair of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival Committee, and Mark Murphy, Guinness Cork Jazz Festival Director.

Music was by Adam Ben Ezran and the event was presented by Ciara Revins.