Local radio stations, schools, bars and restaurants will be joining together to celebrate International Jazz Day on April 30.

Spearheaded by local saxophonist Shine Hayward, the occasion will be marked by playing jazz on the radio and introducing an educational component in schools. A Jazz Happy Hour will be held at the Docksider Pub and Restaurant between 5pm and 7.30pm, in partnership with Salsa Friends.

Highlighting jazz and “its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe”, International Jazz Day is headed up by UNESCO General Director, Irina Bokova, and the Watermelon Man, legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, who serves as a UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and is chairman of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.

The Institute is the lead nonpro?t organisation charged with planning, promoting and producing the annual celebration, which began in 2012.