Jiveoholics van destroyed in arson attack

A jazz band from Monmouth are counting the cost of a trip to Northern Ireland after their van and much of their equipment was destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

The Jiveoholics had only played one show at the City of Derry Jazz and Blues Festival when they were woken early on Saturday morning by the fire service to say their vehicle had been burnt out.

The blaze caused over £30,000 worth of damage to the band's equipment and stage clothes.

Despite the fire, the band agreed to stay and play and with the help of many local businesses, Derry City council and the festival organisers they completed all 3 shows they were booked for and have already been invited back to take part in next year's jazz festival.

At this stage the band are unsure as to how much of the damaged equipment they can recover if any, but remain positive and have no plans to cancel any of their upcoming shows.

Band member Chris McGowan said: "We're all shocked at the amount of gear that's gone up in smoke but we'll try and make the best of it."

Read more on the Derry Journal website.