LONDON’S 26TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC, SONG AND DANCE

Festival Website
MAGAZINE
www.returntolondontown.org www.irishmusicinlondon.org

FRIDAY 25 – MONDAY 28 OCTOBER 2024

CONCERTS, SESSIONS, ALBUM LAUNCHES, CĖILÍS,
WORKSHOPS AND MORE
The Crown Hotel and other local Cricklewood and Kilburn venues

FULL FESTIVAL PROGRAMME INSIDE FREE

CONTENTS
CONTENTS FESTIVAL VENUES
For venue maps see page 4.

WELCOME
CONTENTS
THE CROWN HOTEL
FESTIVAL VENUES
142-152 Cricklewood Broadway, London NW2 3ED
03 DIRECTOR’S Main Festival
For venue spaces
maps at the4. Clayton Crown Hotel are: Ivy Suite
see page
(basement), Lounge by The Ivy Suite (basement), Sala Room (first
WELCOME
WELCOME THE CROWN HOTEL ASHFORD PLACE
floor), Living Room (ground floor) The Crown pub (ground floor),
142-152 Cricklewood Broadway, 60 Ashford Road
Brent Room (ground floor) and Camden Room (ground floor)
04 MAIN FESTIVAL
03 DIRECTOR'S London NW2 3ED Cricklewood NW2 6TU
Main Festival spaces at The Crown SIR COLIN CAMPBELL
VENUES
WELCOME ST AGNES’ PARISH
Hotel are: Ivy Suite (basement),
SIR COLIN
CENTRE
Lounge by Ivy Suite (basement) CAMPBELL,
264-266 Kilburn High Road
LISTINGS
04 MAIN FESTIVAL 22 Caddington Road,
Sala Room (first floor), Mezzanine LondonKilburn
264-266 NW6 2BY
High
London NW2
(first floor), Living LUCKY 7
1DQRoom (ground Road, London NW6 2BY
VENUES
14 FESTIVAL floor), Crown Pub (ground floor), 7 Cricklewood Lane
ASHFORD PLACE
Brent Room (ground floor) and
BARRETT’S
London NW2 1ET
LISTINGS
LISTINGS 60 Ashford Road,
Camden Room (ground floor) FREEHOUSE,
BARRETT’S FREEHOUSE
Cricklewood NW2 6TU 239 Cricklewood Broadway
14 ST AGNES’ PARISH 239 Cricklewood Broadway
06 FULL EVENT
FESTIVAL CENTRE
THE KILN THEATRE
NW2 3HP
London NW2 3HP
LISTINGS
PROGRAMME 22 Caddington
(CINEMA) Road High
269 Kilburn LUCKY SEVEN,
London
Road, NW2 1DQ
London NW6 7JR 7 Cricklewood Lane, NW2 1ET
14
16 FESTIVAL
FULL EVENT
PROGRAMME
LISTINGS
TICKETS
TICKETS
18 FESTIVAL
DIRECTOR: KAREN RYAN All tickets
All ticketsfor
forfestival events
festival cancan
events be purchased at: at
be purchased
www.returntolondontown.org
LISTINGS
IMDL EXPANDED TEAM: www.returntolondontown.org
MARGARET REILLY, JAMES CARTY, SPECIAL OFFER COMBINATION TICKETS
SPECIAL OFFER COMBINATION TICKETS
SAM SCREENE,
DIRECTOR: FEE MCAULIFFE,
KAREN RYAN All-inclusive tickets for
for Friday,
Friday,Saturday
Saturdayand
and Monday concerts
All-inclusive tickets Monday concerts
CAITLIN MANNION, ANNIE
IMDL ORGANISING QUINN,
GROUP: at
at The Crown Hotel, plus all our Céilís at St Agnes', are just at St
The Crown Hotel, plus our Saturday and Sunday céilís
DANIEL O’BRIEN,
MARGARET CATHY
REILLY, GILLARD,
JAMES CARTY, Agnes’ and
£40, from: www.returntolondontown.org
our Sunday evening céilí at The Crown, are just
SAMANTHA
SARAH O'DONOVAN
THOMPSON, HELENA £45, from: www.returntolondontown.org
DESIGN: JACKIE
MULLINS, ANTONIA BAILEY
QUIRKE, TARA
PRINTED BY:
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LAUREN DESIGN
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IMDL EXPANDED TEAM: FEE
MCAULIFFE,
BRIDGET CAITLIN MANNION,
O’TOOLE.
RACHEL ISHERWOOD, ANNIE London’s
PRODUCTION: GERRY LOGUE London’s Annual Festival
Festivalofoftraditional
traditionalIrish
Irish music,
music, song
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dance
QUINN, DANIEL O’BRIEN, CATHY dance
DESIGN: SOHAG HASAN
is presented by ‘Irish Music and Dance in London (IMDL)’,(IMDL)’,
is presented by ‘Irish Music and Dance in London for more
GILLARD, SARAH THOMPSON, for more information about year-round events andup
toto
sign
information about year round events and to sign ourup to
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EOIN GRIFFIN, HELENADESIGN
MULLINS,
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JACKIE
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MCAULIFFE, CORAL HARAN Irish Music
Irish Musicand
andDance
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WEB DESIGN: PADDY EGAN and sponsors
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year’s Festival
WEB DESIGN: PADDY EGAN
COVER PHOTO: GEOFF HOLLAND

02 RtLT 2024
WELCOME
W e are very excited to be opening our doors to
London’s 26th annual Festival of traditional Irish
music, song and dance ‘Return to London Town’ (RtLT)
The Irish music scene is extremely buoyant here at the
moment, with over 40 regular sessions across the city, often
bringing people together from different generations. Many
in a part of London with huge historical links to the Irish of these regular sessions are led by young Irish emigrants
diaspora experience in this city – Cricklewood and Kilburn. and young 2nd and 3rd generation Irish musicians – all
Four days of the finest music, song and dance, hosting 55 contributing equally in this wonderful community.
scheduled events across 8 spaces at the beautiful Crown
Music classes for children and adults across the city are
Hotel, plus 6 other local venues. There will be the usual mix
attended by more than 400 students. Of course you don’t
of concerts, céilís, workshops, sessions, album launches
have to be Irish to enjoy Irish culture. We are very proud
and a quiz. Our events are a mixture of free entry and
that a number of regular session players and people
ticketed, and our all-weekend ticket is a real bargain at just
attending Irish music classes in London have no Irish family
£45. There really is something for everyone.
connections, but are captivated by Irish cultural traditions
For the first time, RtLT will be collaboratively hosting and have chosen to immerse themselves in the music,
an acoustic music and film screening night at The Kiln song, dance and community.
Theatre in Kilburn (Mon 28 Oct, 7pm). The night will feature
This year’s Festival line-up features a wonderful mix of
RTÉ TG4’s London edition of ‘Ceolaireacht’ (Musical
visiting artists from Ireland (25 in total) as well as Irish artists
Wanderings) which shines a light on some of the history of
based here in London.
the Irish community in London, and some of our musicians
here now. The screening will be introduced by the It has been an absolute pleasure to witness our newly
programme’s presenter Doireann Ní Ghlacáin. expanded IMDL team really start to come into their own as
they take on new responsibilities within the organisation.
This year we celebrate Set Dancing being recently added
I would like to thank you all and look forward to working
to Ireland’s Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage by fea-
together even more in the future.
turing a picture of our Camden Set Dancers on our Festival
poster. We are extremely grateful to our funders, sponsors
and media partners for making everything possible -
Musicians, singers, dancers and dedicated followers of
Emigrant Support Programme, Culture Ireland, Irish Youth
traditional Irish culture are spread far and wide throughout
Foundation, Ireland Funds of Great Britain, Flannerys,
the sprawling metropolis that is London Town. Each year,
Embassy Demolition, Ardmore, The Irish World and The
RtLT is a wonderful opportunity to bring these people
Irish Post. We would like to thank all our venue partners for
together in one place over one long weekend. It is also
hosting our Festival events – The Crown Hotel (AG Hotels),
a chance to showcase Irish traditions and the warmth of
Ashford Place, St Agnes Parish Centre, The Kiln Theatre,
our people to the wider community who have also made
Barrett’s, Lucky Seven and Sir Colin Campbell.
London their home. London’s multicultural landscape offers
a window on the world where we can experience the finest Full details of our jam-packed 4 day Return to London Town
in arts, culture and more from just about every nation. We Festival programme are available in the pages ahead and
are proud to stand tall, celebrating and sharing our own at www.returntolondontown.org At the time of going to
Irish culture and traditions. print, a limited number of discounted rooms for Festival
The London Irish music community has had a strong pres- goers are available to book at The Crown Hotel. We look
ence since the middle of the last century. Irish emigrants forward to welcoming you all for another great weekend.
spend time in London, some settling, some passing through
– returning home or emigrating elsewhere after a while.
Those who pass through still feel part of the scene here
and often enjoy the chance to ‘Return to London Town’ to
reconnect. Those who settle, often go on to raise families
here, passing on the love of Irish culture and traditions, and
proud sense of being Irish to the next generations.

RtLT 2024 03
FESTIVAL VENUES
KILBURN:
CRICKLEWOOD:

SIR COLIN CAMPBELL

264-266 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 2BY

THE CROWN HOTEL

152 Cricklewood Broadway, London, NW2 3ED
Main Festival spaces at the The Crown
THE KILN
Hotel are: THEATRE

• Ivy Suite (basement)

• Lounge by Ivy Suite (basement)
• Sala Room (first floor)
• Mezzanine (first floor)
• Living Room (ground floor)
• Brent Room (ground floor)
• Camden Room (ground floor)
• Crown Pub (ground floor)

ST AGNES’ PARISH CENTRE THE KILN THEATRE

22 Caddington Road Corner of Gillingham Road and
269 Kilburn High Rd, London NW6 7JR, UK
Caddington Road, London NW2 1DQ

ASHFORD PLACE
60 Ashford Road, London NW2 6TU

BARRETT’S FREEHOUSE
239 Cricklewood Broadway, London
NW2 3HP

LUCKY 7
7 Cricklewood Lane, London, NW2 1ET

NOTICE RE PARKING
Please note that there is free on street parking on a large number of roads on the Cricklewood Lane side of Cricklewood
Broadway, from Friday after 6.30pm, all day Saturday and all day Sunday (excluding Elm, Oak, Yew and Ash Groves). There
is a limited amount of metered parking on the Chichele Road side of Cricklewood Broadway (please read signs carefully).
There are 38 parking spaces in the underground car park at The Crown Hotel (charges apply).
Buses to Kilburn: 16, 32, 189, 316, 332

04 RtLT 2024
 RETURN TO LONDON TOWN
PROGRAMME LISTINGS
LISTINGS: All Inclusive tickets for all ticketed concerts and céilís are available to purchase for the bargain
price of £45! Individual event tickets are also available. All tickets at: www.returntolondontown.org

RtLT 2024 05
FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER 2024
EVENING CONCERT
TONY LINNANE, ÉAMONN O’RIORDAN AND CONOR CONNOLLY
GARADICE
THE TRAD GATHERING
Ivy Suite, The Crown Hotel (Doors 7.30pm, Tickets £22.50/ £7 U18s)

TONY LINNANE, EAMONN O’RIORDAN AND CONOR CONNOLLY

Legendary fiddler, Tony Linnane was Éamonn O’Riordan (flute) and Conor Conor Connolly is a button accordion,
born into a musical family in Corofin, Co. Connolly (piano). piano player and singer from
Clare. Beginning on the mouth-organ Clarinbridge, Co. Galway. He started
Éamonn O’Riordan was born and
he advanced to the fiddle and was playing the tin whistle aged eight
raised in Athea, West Limerick. He began
an accomplished player in early ado- and moved onto the accordion aged
playing the tin whistle at the age of six,
lescence. Along with Noel Hill, Kieran encouraged by his grandfather, Éamonn
twelve, with lessons from Mary Murray
Hanrahan, Tony Callinan and Barry Senior and his Uncle Harry , who also in Athenry and at the Anne Conroy
Moore Tony was a founder member of played the instrument. Éamonn took Burke and Joe Burke school of music
‘Inchiquin’ who released one self-titled up the flute at eleven years of age and in Kilnadeema, near Loughrea. In his
album that has long since become a spent a lot of time playing with great late teens, Conor heard the music of
collector’s item. Following this, Noel Hill West Limerick musicians such as Donal Joe Cooley for the first time as well
and Tony Linnane released their iconic O’Sullivan, Francis O’Connor and singer as other players Tony MacMahon,
duet album in1979 on the Tara label. Con Greaney. He was also heavily Fiachna Ó Mongáin and Eoin O’Neill
To this day it is still regarded as one of influenced by Kerry music and musi- which spurred him to change from the
the finest traditional Irish music records cians like Nicky and Anne McAuliffe, conventional B/C style of playing to
of all time. Connie O’Connell and Paddy Cronin the C#/D system.
Tony has toured internationally and who he had the privilege of playing Conor was recipient of the TG4
recorded extensively for RTÉ radio and with and learning music from for many Ceoltóir Óg na Bliana (Young Musician
television, and on numerous albums. years. Other flute players who have in- of the Year) Award in 2019. He has
Collaborations have included Andy fluenced Éamonn include Jack Dolan, taught workshops and performed
Irvine, De Dannan, Tony McMahon, Miko Mick Woods, Tom Morrison and Eddie internationally, including with fellow
Russell, Joe Burke, Kevin Crawford and Moloney. TG4 Young Musician of the Year
Christy Moore. In 2023, Tony released Éamonn now resides in Ennis where recipient, Sorcha Costello and guitar
his debut solo album, ‘Ceol na Fidle’ to he plays regularly with Tony Linnane accompanist Pádraig Ó Dubhghaill.
immediate critical acclaim. This evening and performs at festivals all over the
Tony will be joined by- country.

06 RtLT 2024
GARADICE
Garadice was born out of the Vocalist Eleanor Shanley started Dave Sheridan’s flute playing
Leitrim Equation Programme, a her musical career as a vocalist has been described as ’a highly
Leitrim Co. Council residency with De Dannan, and has gone accomplished free flowing fluid
initiative focused on celebrating, on to release a number of style, with sound technique
promoting, and developing solo albums, each presenting and solid driving rhythm’ (Hot
Leitrim artists. Named after a her unique interpretation of Press Magazine) and a flute
scenic area in South Leitrim and traditional Irish songs. Her long style, which takes on ‘Lark like
consisting of four artists with and rich international career has qualities’ (fRoots Magazine) in
strong Leitrim roots, the band seen her perform and collaborate reviews of his collaborative
was described as an ‘embryonic with Dubliners legend, Ronnie album ‘Sheridan’s Guesthouse’
supergroup’ by Alex Monaghan Drew (with whom she recorded (2006) and his solo album ‘Drivin’
(Folkworld) following the release two albums), Mike Hanrahan, Leitrim Timber’ (2010). Dave has
of their self-titled debut album U2, Sharon Shannon and Donal recorded with artists like Lúnasa,
in 2018. Their second Album Lunny. Across her collective Dervish, At The Racket and De
‘Sanctuary’ was released to high projects, Eleanor Shanley has Danann as well as performing
acclaim in September 2023 and truly spread her wings and on many occasions with the
the group were honoured with enjoyed mixing up the sounds Sligo based band Téada. He
a nomination in the ‘best folk within the folk and traditional has also performed on The Late
group’ category at the 2024 music genres and on her most Late Show, The Ray Darcy Show,
RTÉ folk awards. Much of the recent album, ‘Cancion De Amor’, Geantraí, The Reel Deal and
repertoire on these recordings is with John Feeley we also get to Fleadh Live.
from historic and recent sources enjoy some beautiful classical
connected to Co. Leitrim. arrangements.

RtLT 2024 07
Padraig McGovern hails from Peter Carberry entitled ‘Forgotten Inspired by bands like Planxty,
Ballymagovern, a townland in the Gems’ (2013). His recording of Dervish and Lunasa John turned
Cavan-Leitrim border area but ‘Easter Snow’ and ‘Sally Gally’ his attention to accompaniment
has resided in Monaghan town with pianist Ryan Molloy was in his adult life. Since then he has
for the best part of a decade. He shortlisted in the best folk track become a regular accompanist
was taught by Belturbet piper P.J. category at the 2021 RTE folk to many of the traditions greatest
Flood and heavily influenced by awards. exponents. His contribution to the
accordionist Vincent Tighe and collaboration albums, ‘Carlos
the Leitrim researcher and collec- John McCartin began to play Sweeney McCartin’ (2019) and
tor Fr. John Quinn. Pádraig has the fiddle under the direction of ‘The One After It’ (2024) has been
recorded with numerous artists Frank Kelly and later, Maureen widely acclaimed in Ireland and
over the past decade, including a Fahy, winning many county and beyond.
duet album with provincial titles as a child.

THE TRAD GATHERING

IMDL’s London-wide youth project The Trad Gathering was jointly Danny Meehan, John Bowe, Julia
The Trad Gathering features 30 commissioned in 2008 by the BBC Clifford and Mick O’Connor. The
young traditional Irish musicians Proms and Return to Camden Trad Gathering have performed
led by Karen Ryan and Pete Town Festival. In recent years, at the Royal Albert Hall, Cadogan
Quinn. This evening, members the group have been celebrating Hall, Kings Place, Royal Festival
of the group will play their debut music from the repertoires of Hall, Mayor of London’s St
performance of tunes from the prominent members of the Lon- Patrick’s Day Festival at Trafalgar
repertoire of the legendary North don Irish music scene, including: Square and more.
Leitrim musician and teacher, Bryan Rooney, The McCarthy
Tommy Maguire. Family, Roger Sherlock, Lucy Farr,

SESSIONS
5pm The Crown Hotel (Mezzanine) – Mick Mulvey, Alex Kelly, Cathy Kingcombe, Peter McAlinden
8pm Crown Pub – Owen Spafford, James Gavin, Méabh Begley
9pm Lucky Seven – Finola Ryan, Paul Clesham, Rob Webb, Terence O’Flaherty
10pm Living Room – Andy Martyn, John Rynne, Pete Quinn

08 RtLT 2024
SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2024
WORKSHOPS, SESSIONS, AFTERNOON AND
EVENING CONCERTS
Please note that instrumental workshops are aimed at intermediate to advanced level players. Beginners
are welcome to purchase tickets to attend as observers. Please arrive at workshop venue 30 minutes
before start time to allow for registration. Tickets may be purchased on the door, but advance booking is
recommended as workshops are very popular and places are limited.

WORKSHOPS
FLUTE WORKSHOP WITH ĖAMONN O’RIORDAN
11am-1pm – Ashford Place – £12.50/£7 under 18
ACCORDION WORKSHOP WITH CONOR CONNOLLY
11am-1pm – Ashford Place - £12.50/£7 under 18
BANJO WORKSHOP WITH THERESA O’GRADY
11am-1pm – Ashford Place – £12.50/£7 under 18
CONCERTINA WORKSHOP WITH PAUL CLESHAM
11am-1pm – Ashford Place– £12.50/£7 under 18
BODHRÁN WORKSHOP WITH CONOR LYONS
11am-1pm – Ashford Place - £12.50/£7 under 18
SEAN NÓS SINGING WORKSHOP WITH RÓISÍN CHAMBERS
11am-1pm – Ashford Place - £12.50/£7 under 18
TIN WHISTLE WORKSHOP WITH ÓRLAITH MCAULIFFE
11am-1pm – The Crown Hotel - £12.50/£7 under 18
HARP WORKSHOP WITH LAOISE KELLY
11am-1pm – The Crown Hotel - £12.50/£7 under 18
UILLEANN PIPES WORKSHOP WITH MAITIÚ Ó CASAIDE
11am-1pm – The Crown Hotel - £12.50/£7 under 18
FIDDLE WORKSHOP WITH TONY LINNANE
11am-1pm – The Crown Hotel – £12.50/£7 under 18
STRINGS ACCOMPANIMENT WORKSHOP WITH ADAM WHELAN
11am-1pm – The Crown Hotel - £12.50/£7 under 18
AFTERNOON CHILDREN’S CÉILÍ DANCING WORKSHOP WITH ANNE DRURY
1.30-2.30pm – Sala Room, The Crown Hotel - £7 under 18
PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT WORKSHOP WITH PAUL CLESHAM
1.30-3.30pm – Ashford Place - £12.50/£7 under 18

RtLT 2024 09
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www.returntolondontown.org 9
10 RtLT 2024
INSTRUMENTAL WORKSHOP TUTORS
See Concert listings for biographies for Éamonn O’Riordan, Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Conor Connolly, Órlaith
McAuliffe, Laoise Kelly, Tony Linnane and The Bonny Men (Conor Lyons, Róisín Chambers, Maitiú Ó
Casaide, Adam Whelan)

THERESA O’GRADY Theresa O’Grady was born and Annette Hannigan (Caulfield).
raised in a musical family in Luton, Theresa moved to Ireland in 1997,
with Mayo and Cork parents. living near Aclare, Co. Sligo with
She and her brothers, James her husband, piano accordion
(fiddle, uilleann pipes) and Ciaran player, Declan Payne. She is
(concertina) became part of an considered to be one of the
exciting musical era in England finest banjo players of her time
in the 1980s and 90s. They had and in 2018 she released her
great grounding in the tradition debut album “BANJO’ista”. This
from people like Anne Caulfield, album was widely anticipated and
Tommy Keane, Paddy Hayes warmly received by all. Theresa
and Bryan Rooney. Theresa was is a full time music teacher,
taught by an exceptional banjo she teaches and performs
player and teacher, internationally.

PAUL CLESHAM From Hollymount, County Mayo, with fiddle player Conor Arkins
Paul began learning music with in 2023 entitled ‘The Morning
Bernie Geraghty in Ballindine Thrush’. At present, he enjoys
from a young age. Awards he teaching music in Cork and is
has won include the Senior actively involved in a variety of
Concertina and Accompaniment educational projects around Cork
competitions at Fleadh Cheoil na city and county, including tutoring
hÉireann. He holds a BA in Music Classical music modules in UCC
and Irish, a BMus and an MA in and directing the Ensemble
Ethnomusicology from University Mhúscraí in the Ionad Cultúrtha
College Cork. He is currently in Baile Bhúirne. He is also a
undertaking a PhD in Music in member of the Piper’s Cross Céilí
UCC. He has travelled worldwide Band, All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil
teaching and performing music winners in 2023.
and has released a duet CD

RtLT 2024 11
AFTERNOON CHILDREN’S CÉILÍ DANCING
WORKSHOP
Sala Room, The Crown Hotel (1.30-2.30pm, Tickets £7): Anne Drury
A fun introduction to Céilí Dancing for Children with experienced primary school and dance teacher - Anne Drury.

ANNE DRURY Anne Drury has over 30 years’ midweek dance workshops
experience in teaching and during the early years.
learning various forms of Irish No experience is needed for
dances – céilí, set dancing and this workshop, footwork will be
sean nós – having learnt herself shown – partner not needed.
from dancing masters across Ire-
This workshop is open to children
land. Anne’s knowledge spans a
and young participants up to the
variety of styles with different for-
age of 18. Children under 12 years
mations and numbers. She also
of age must be accompanied by
has knowledge of footwork for
an adult (parents/ guardians are
particular dance styles. We are
welcome to join if they wish).
delighted to welcome Anne back
Children with special needs
to teaching at the Festival, having
welcome.
hosted midweek

Programmed Music Sessions from 1pm until late: The Crown Hotel, plus other Cricklewood and Kilburn
venues – FREE

SESSIONS
12pm The Crown Hotel (Mezzanine) – Finbar Murphy, Peter Murphy, Eneko Lane, Ben Connolly

1pm The Crown Hotel (Living Room) – Maureen Linane Hankins, Sinéad Munroe and friends

2pm The Crown Hotel (Crown Pub) – Hugh Sheehan, Noreen Cullen, Adrian Burns

3pm The Crown Hotel (Sala Room) Tutor Led Session – Laoise Kelly, Josephine Marsh,
Peter McAlinden

4pm Lucky Seven – Catherine McGoldrick, Tom Campbell, Oisín McGinley, Colman Connolly

5pm The Crown Hotel (Living Room) – John Bowe, Mick O’Connor, Joe Bardwell

6pm The Crown Hotel (Sala Room) Singing Session hosted by Jackie Quirke with guest
Doireann Ní Ghlacáin

6pm The Crown Hotel (Crown Pub) – Pádraig McGovern, Aoife Ní Bhríain, Dave Sheridan

7.30pm Sir Colin Campbell – Caroline Kunzler, Marie McCormack, Niall Farrelly

10pm The Crown Hotel (Living Room) – Theresa O’Grady, Teresa Connolly, Conor Connolly

12 RtLT 2024
 www.irishpost.com

CONNECTING
IRISH PEOPLE AROUND
THE WORLD
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12 RtLT2023
RtLT 2024 13
AFTERNOON CONCERT
Please note that all advertised concert times are door opening times. Performances will commence 30
minutes after doors open.

CAITLÍN NIC GABHANN AND CIARÁN Ó MAONAIGH

DOIREANN NÍ GLACHÁIN, BROGAN AND ÓRLAITH MCAULIFFE
AOIFE NÍ BHRÍAIN
Ivy Suite, The Crown Hotel (Doors 2pm, Tickets £12.50/ £7 U18s)

CAITLÍN NIC GABHANN AND from the Gaoth Dobhair gaeltacht

in Co. Donegal. Growing up, he
CIARÁN Ó MAONAIGH was heavily influenced by his
extended family; his grandfather
and teacher Francie Mooney, Altan
members Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh
and Frankie Kennedy, Derry fiddle
player Dermot McLaughlin as
well as the Donegal fiddle legend
John Doherty amongst others.
Ciarán’s solo album ‘Ceol
a’Ghleanna’ was released in
2004. He is also a member
of the band Fidil along with
Aidan O’Donnell and Damien
McGeehan, and they have
Raised in a house full of music in She is also an accomplished
released 3 acclaimed albums.
Co. Meath, Caitlín Nic Gabhann dancer and has toured the world
learned most of her music from with Riverdance. Writing tunes Ciarán’s music has been used in
her father Antóin Mac Gabhann, since the age of ten, her compo- films, on television and on radio
a noted fiddler and fiddle sitions have been performed in programmes including the award
teacher. Another great influence the Cork Opera House and The winning short film Noreen written
was Caitlín’s concertina teacher, National Concert Hall, Dublin. She by Domhnall Gleeson and starring
Meábh Ní Lochlainn. Caitlín’s teaches concertina annually at Brendan Gleeson.
mother Bernie is immersed in summer and winter schools in Ciarán has worked as a production
the Clare set-dancing culture and Ireland, Europe and USA Her co-ordinator, researcher and
she passed a love of this on to debut solo CD release, Caitlín presenter on numerous television
her children. was voted the 2012 ‘CD of the series’ for TG4 and RTÉ television
Caitlín has performed with the Year’ award by tradconnect.com. and radio.
RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet, Paddy A former recipient of TG4 Young This duet’s 2015 debut CD release
Keenan, Liam Ó Maonlaí, for Musician of the Year, fiddle player ‘Caitlín & Ciarán’ received a 4 star
Presidents and Royalty around Ciarán Ó Maonaigh hails- review in The Irish Times.
the world.

14 RtLT 2024
DOIREANN NÍ GHLACÁIN, BROGAN AND ÓRLAITH MCAULIFFE
Doireann Ní Ghlacáin is a fiddle on five remarkable female Irish
player, sean nós singer, academic musicians from the early 20th
and broadcaster from Clontarf, century. She has been at the
Dublin. She learnt the fiddle at forefront of Irish language broad-
home, under the tutelage of her casting in her work with TG4, and
father, Kevin Glackin and inherited has toured the world with her
a love of the Irish language from fiddle playing in China, The Middle
her mother Sorcha Ní Riada of East, all over Europe and America.
west Cork Gaeltacht, Cúil Aodha. Doireann will be introducing RtLT
In 2019 She released ‘The Festival’s screening of TG4’s
Housekeepers’ a duet album London edition of ‘Ceolaireacht’
with concertina player, Sarah at The Kiln Theatre on Monday
Flynn, shining the light 28th October.

Órlaith and Brogan McAuliffe’s Órlaith’s major influences on the Brogan has performed as a band
parents hail from Killarney, Co. flute include Olivia McTernan, member with ‘The London Lasses
Kerry, they were raised in a musical Michael McGoldrick, Louise Mulcahy, for over 10 years, recording two
household in London. Both were Kevin Crawford, Peter Horan, Tom albums ‘The One I Loved the Best’
taught the tin whistle at home, by Doorley, Conal O’Grada, Aoife (2015) and ‘LL25’ (2022). Brogan
their mother, Fidelma. At the age Granville, Paul McGlinchey and has played at world class venues
of nine, Órlaith took up the flute Matt Molloy. Órlaith has been an including the Royal Albert Hall,
and at the age of ten Brogan took avid composer since the age of the Barbican Centre and Trafalgar
up the concertina under the twelve, many of her tunes feature Square.
tutelage of Maureen Linane. on her band CrossHarbour’s
Órlaith was a member of the All
Órlaith and Brogan grew up eponymous debut album (2014).
Ireland Award winning junior Auld
attending numerous instrumental She was awarded TG4’s Gradam
Triangle Céilí Band; both she and
workshops at festivals, classes Ceoil Ceoltoir Óg na Bliana for
Brogan currently play regularly
with Joe Searson, Maureen and 2016 and has over twenty gold
with London’s popular Parish
Sinéad Linane. They were also medals from the All Ireland Fleadh
surrounded by thriving Traditional Cheoils under her belt. Céilí Band and have toured with
Irish Music sessions in London. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
They also both performed with
the National Folk Orchestra
of Ireland, debuting Michael
Rooney’s ‘Macalla 1916’. Both
sisters are prominent musicians
on the London session scene.

Brogan’s main influences on

the concertina include Micheál
Órlaith’s major influences on the Ó Raghallaigh, Edel Fox, Timmy
flute include Olivia McTernan, Collins and Kate McNamara. She
Michael McGoldrick, holds 4 All-Ireland titles.

RtLT 2024 15
AOIFE NÍ BHRÍAIN performed with musicians such Since 2021 Aoife has joined
as pianist Eliso Virsaladze, fiddle forces with Welsh harpist Catrin
player Martin Hayes, violinist Finch and in October 2023
Mariana Sirbu, Welsh harpist they released their debut album
Catrin Finch, jazz guitarist “Double You” to critical acclaim
Wolfgang Muthspiel and Oscar and in 2024 the album was
winning actor Tim Robbins. shortlisted for Best Folk Album
She has been guest leader for her album with Catrin Finch in
of a number of internationally the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards.
renowned orchestras. Aoife is a Her recent traditional music
Born in Dublin, to a family of member of the avant garde string performances have included the
musicians, Aoife Ní Bhríain has quintet- Wooden Elephant as well improvisations of acclaimed
established herself as one of the as the Goodman Trio with whom Dublin fiddle player Tommie Potts
most versatile musicians of her she has explored the manuscripts on whom she has co-written a
generation. Thanks to her musical of the music collected around book to be released by the Irish
heritage combined with her classical Ireland in the1800’s by Canon Traditional Music Archives in
studies she has collaborated and James Goodman. 2024.

are proud to support London’s 26th Annual Festival of

Traditional Irish Music, Song and Dance. Wishing
everyone a wonderful weekend at ‘Return to London Town’
Macai Limited and Macai Projects Limited
We operate two independent companies which cover distinct sectors
within the Construction Industry across the South East of England.

Macai Limited focuses on interiors and finishing trades where as Macai Projects
Limited area of expertise is structural alterations and buildersworks packages. The
unique way in which we are structured allows us to provide a wide of range solutions
for our Clients and manage complex projects.

www.macai-limited.co.uk

16 RtLT 2024
TUTOR LED SESSION
LAOISE KELLY, JOSEPHINE MARSH, PETER MCALINDEN
Sala Room, The Crown Hotel (3pm FREE)

SINGING SESSION
JACKIE QUIRKE WITH GUEST: DOIREANN NÍ GHLACÁIN
Sala Room, The Crown Hotel (6pm FREE)

SET DANCING CÉILÍ

MUSIC BY THE PARISH CÉILÍ BAND WITH HOST TOM KELLEHER
St Agnes’ Parish Centre (4-7pm, Tickets £13 / U18s free when accompanied by a paying
adult)

The Parish Céilí Band were formed in 2019, borne out of a Friday night session that used to take place in
The Parish Pub, Wembley. Founding members included Chris Maguire, Rita Farrell, Jack Boyle, Órlaith and
Brogan McAuliffe. The band won the All Britain Senior Céilí Band title in the first year. They continue to be in
high demand for céilís and concerts and are able to call on a number of London’s community of musicians
to perform when needed. This will be their sixth consecutive appearance at the Return to London Town
Festival.

This weekend, members of the Parish Céilí Band will be: Rita Farrell, Brogan McAuliffe, Órlaith McAuliffe,
Ciaran Farrell, Matthew Nevin, Susie Rice, Ronan Stewart, Caitlin Mahon and Maitiú Gaffney.

RtLT 2024 17
18 RtLT 2024
Project1_Layout 1 30/08/2024 10:32 Page 1

@theirishworld

SCAN TO START
READING THE
IRISH WORLD ON
YOUR SMART
DEVICE

MUSIC
makes the
IRISH
WORLD
GO
ROUND! My WEEK
in TRAD
with Helen
ON SALE EVERY Mullen

WEDNESDAY IN ALL FAREWELL,

SEAMUS
GOOD NEWS OUTLETS
LAST WEEK’S Irish World went to press just hours before news

The Irish World newspaper

broke of the untimely passing of trad musician Seamus Begley,
aged just 73.
Which meant that instead of a tribute to the great man, my
column was about the boom in sales of toy accordions thanks
to the Disney film Encanto. This week I get to make up for it.
But uncannily, toy accordions remind me meeting Seamus for
the first time. He was getting ready to perform at the London
Irish Centre for the Return to Camden Town festival, and was
messing around with a toy accordion someone had given him.

is proud to support
He suddenly handed it to me, saying ‘here, see if you can get
anything out of it.’
I played a few bars of Sally Gardens, but he was more
pleased with the fact that I accepted his playful offer, rather
than anything I played.
Any time I saw him perform; at the Return to Camden festival
as well as TradFest in Dublin, The Gathering in Killarney, and the
surprise appearances at the concerts of his friends – of whom
he had many – Seamus was a pure joy to be around. But the
cheeky schoolboy demeanour was a modest front for a man

traditional Irish music

who was a masterful accordion player and singer.
He was encouraging to all young musicians not through lofty
advice, but by treating you as his equal.
His shows were part stand up comedy, part family get-
together - in short, it is how trad music is meant to be enjoyed.
It’s difficult to believe now that there won’t be any more
memorable concerts in his company. His death is a loss, but his
life was a gift, and we will be grateful for his
music for many generations to come.
Sincerest condolences to his family and

and the Return to London

friends.
Learn
Lea
LEARN TO PLAY!
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. to Play!
Button
Accordion
Button
Accordion
IN OUT
TOP ROW
E A G B C D E F G A G B E D G F G A E B

Town Festival
D# G# F# A# B G# D# E F# G# B A # D# C # F # E B G# D # A# F# C#
BOTTOM ROW

'
Dawning of the Day
'
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LEARN A TUNE
'
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IN OUR WEEKLY
'
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'

TRAD COLUMN
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''

RtLT 2024 19
FULL EVENT PROGRAMME
FRIDAY 25th OCTOBER 2024
5pm Session Mick Mulvey, Alex Kelly, Cathy Kingcombe, The Crown Hotel Free
Peter McAlinden (Mezzanine)
7.30pm Evening Concert Tony Linnane, Ėamonn O’Riordan and Conor The Crown Hotel £22.50/ £7 U18
Connolly, Garadice, The Trad Gathering (Ivy Suite)
8pm Session Owen Spafford, James Gavin, Méabh Begley The Crown Pub Free
9pm Session Finola Ryan, Paul Clesham, Rob Webb, Lucky 7 Free
Terence O’Flaherty
10pm Session Andy Martyn, John Rynne, Pete Quinn The Crown Hotel Free
(Living Room)
The Crown Hotel Bars: Ivy Suite public bar open until 12am, The Crown Pub public bar open until 2am, Residents Bar open until 4am

SATURDAY 26th OCTOBER 2024

Please arrive at instrumental workshop venue to register at 10.30am

11am-1pm Flute Workshop Ėamonn O’Riordan Ashford Place £12.50/ £7 U18s

11am-1pm Accordion Workshop Conor Connolly Ashford Place £12.50/ £7 U18s

11am-1pm Banjo Workshop Theresa O’Grady Ashford Place £12.50/ £7 U18s
11am-1pm Concertina Workshop Paul Clesham Ashford Place £12.50/ £7 U18s
11am-1pm Bodhrán Workshop Conor Lyons Ashford Place £12.50/ £7 U18s
11am-1pm Sean Nós Singing Róisín Chambers Ashford Place £12.50/ £7 U18s
11am-1pm Tin Whistle Workshop Órlaith McAuliffe The Crown Hotel £12.50/ £7 U18s
11am-1pm Harp Workshop Laoise Kelly The Crown Hotel £12.50/ £7 U18s
11am-1pm Uillean Pipes Workshop Maitiú Ó Casaide The Crown Hotel £12.50/ £7 U18s
11am-1pm Fiddle Workshop Tony Linnane The Crown Hotel £12.50/ £7 U18s

11am-1pm Strings Accompaniment Adam Whelan The Crown Hotel £12.50/ £7 U18s
Workshop
12pm Session Finbar Murphy, Peter Murphy, Eneko Lane, The Crown Hotel Free
Ben Connolly (Mezzanine)
1pm Session Maureen Linane Hankins, Sinéad Munroe and The Crown Hotel Free
friends (Living Room)
1.30pm- Children’s Afternoon Céilí Dancing – no experience required, Tutor: The Crown Hotel £7 (under 18s)
2:30pm Workshop Anne Drury (Sala Room)
1:30pm- Piano Accompaniment Paul Clesham (bring your own keyboard) Ashford Place £12.50/ £7 U18s
3:30pm Workshop
2pm Afternoon Caitlín Nic Gabhann and Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, The Crown Hotel £12.50/ £7 U18s
Concert Aoife Ní Bhríain, Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, (Ivy Suite)
Brogan and Órlaith McAuliffe

2pm Session Hugh Sheehan, Noreen Cullen, Adrian Burns The Crown Hotel Free
(Crown Pub)
3pm Tutor Led Session Laoise Kelly, Josephine Marsh, The Crown Hotel Free
Peter McAlinden (Sala Room)
4-7pm Set Dancing Céilí Parish Céilí Band with Tom Kelleher St Agnes’ Parish £13/ U18s free when
Centre accompanied by
paying adult
4pm Session Catherine McGoldrick, Tom Campbell, Lucky 7 Free
Oisín McGinley, Colman Connolly

5pm Session John Bowe, Mick O’Connor, Joe Bardwell The Crown Hotel Free
(Living Room)

20 RtLT 2024
6pm Singing Session Singing Session hosted by Jackie Quirke with The Crown Hotel Free
Doireann Ní Ghlacáin (Sala Room)
6pm Session Pádraig McGovern, Aoife Ní Bhríain, Dave The Crown Hotel Free
Sheridan (Crown Pub)
7.30pm Evening Concert The Bonny Men, The Weaving, Laoise Kelly The Crown Hotel £22.50/ £7 U18s
(Ivy Suite)
7.30pm Session Caroline Kunzler, Marie McCormack, Niall Farrelly Sir Colin Campbell Free
10pm Session Theresa O’Grady, Teresa Connolly, Conor The Crown Hotel Free
Connolly (Living Room)
The Crown Hotel Bars: Ivy Suite public bar open until 12am, The Crown Pub public bar open until 2am, Residents Bar open until 4am

SUNDAY 27th OCTOBER 2024

Please arrive at instrumental workshop venue to register at 10.30am
11am-1pm Tin Whistle Workshop Moss Landman Ashford Place £12.50/ £7 U18s
11am-1pm Fiddle Workshop Turlough Chambers Ashford Place £12.50/ £7 U18s
11am-1pm Concertina Workshop Caitlín Nic Gabhann Ashford Place £12.50/ £7 U18s
11am-1pm Uilleann Pipes Pádraig McGovern Ashford Place £12.50/ £7 U18s
Workshop
11am-1pm Flute Workshop Dave Sheridan Ashford Place £12.50/ £7 U18s
11am-1pm Accordion Workshop Josephine Marsh Ashford Place £12.50/ £7 U18s
11am-1pm Banjo Workshop Mick O’Connor The Crown Hotel £12.50/ £7 U18s
12pm Session Alan O’Leary, Brendan McAuley, Ed Barrett The Crown Hotel Free
(Living Room)
1:30pm- Singing in Harmony Natalie Ní Chasaide and Róisín Chambers Ashford Place £12.50/ £7 U18s
3:30pm Workshop
1:30pm- Children’s Afternoon Singing, Tutor: Chan Reid 1.30-2.30pm (aged 6-11) The Crown Hotel £7
3:30pm Workshop 2.30-3.30pm (aged 12-18)
2pm-5pm Set Dancing Céilí Parish Céilí Band with Tom Kelleher St Agnes Parish Centre £13/ U18s free when
accompanied by a
paying adult
2pm Session Annie Quinn, Sinéad Mulvey, Caitlin Mannion, The Crown Hotel Free
Ella Connolly, Pete Quinn (Crown Pub)
3pm Tutor Led Session Theresa O’Grady, Ciaran Ó Maonaigh, The Crown Hotel Free
Peter McAlinden (Sala Room)
4pm Session Philippe Barnes, Ali Barnes, Bryony Lemon The Crown Hotel Free
(Living Room)
5pm Quiz (teams of 3 -6) ‘Tradiversity Challenge’ Quiz with Host: The Crown Hotel Free
Mick Mulvey (Ivy Suite)
5pm Session Kevin O’Connor, Kathy Walton, Chris Sadler Barrett’s Freehouse Free
6pm Singing Session Singing Session hosted by Chan Reid with The Crown Free
guests Méabh Begley and Cait Ní Ríain (Lounge by Ivy Suite)
6pm Session Eoin Griffin, Stephen Kennedy, Niall Farrelly The Crown Hotel Free
(Crown Pub)
7pm Album and Book Josephine Marsh (111 Original Irish Music The Crown Hotel Free
Launch Event Compositions - Book launch), Philippe Barnes (Sala Room)
and Tom Phelan
7pm Session Caroline Regan, PJ Hynes and friends Sir Colin Campbell Free
8-10.30pm Céilí for All Music by McCool Trad, Caller: Moira Dempsey The Crown Hotel £7
(Ivy Suite)
9pm Session Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, The Crown Hotel Free
Mick Mulvey (Living Room)
The Crown Hotel Bars: Ivy Suite public bar open until 11pm, The Crown Pub public bar open until 12am.

MONDAY 28th OCTOBER 2024

2pm Afternoon Eleanor Shanley and John McCartin, The Crown Hotel £12.50/ £7 U18s
Concert London Irish Pensioner’s Choir, Laoise Kelly (Ivy Suite)
and Josephine Marsh
7pm Evening Screening and RTÉ TG4’s ‘Ceolaireacht Londain’, introduced The Kiln Theatre, Free – Tickets can
Acoustic Music Night by Doireann Ní Glacháin Acoustic music by MNÁ Cinema be reserved

RtLT 2024 21
EVENING CONCERT
This concert is dedicated to the Memory of Jimmy Philbin

In Association with and

THE BONNY MEN

THE WEAVING
LAOISE KELLY
Ivy Suite, The Crown Hotel (Doors 7.30pm, Tickets £22.50/ £7 U18s)

THE BONNY MEN The Bonny Men have taken a

decade of their collective experience
which has given the band a new and
fresh sound to their performances.
of the music and have shaped an Already the makings of Album
album that walks the fine line number 4 are well underway.
between Traditional Irish music with
Not veering away from the
a new and vibrant sound, all un-
Traditional Music, The Bonny Men
derpinned with the unique driving
are known as a band that has
arrangements that The Bonny Men
the ability to take the music from
are known for.
its Traditional home and give it a
Individually, each member brings new lease of life, enhancing and
their own taste and style to the band, breathing new life into long lost and
which has allowed The Bonny Men hidden tunes.
Since 2011, The Bonny Men imme- to constantly develop and improve
diately became known as a band Members of The Bonny Men are:
with every performance. Over the
with a unique sound and electrifying Maitiú Ó Casaide (uilleann pipes,
past number of years, the band has
stage performances. Their second whistle, vocal), Turlough Chambers
evolved musically, finding a sound
album “Moyne Road” went to Number (fiddle), Moss Landman (flute,
that is their own, which involves a
1 in the Irish music charts, and the whistle), Róisín Chambers (vocal),
foundation in Traditional Irish musical
band went from strength to strength, Natalie Ní Casaide (piano, vocal),
tunes and melodies surrounded by
performing regularly on television, Adam Whelan (bouzouki), Conor
the driving force of pulsating ac-
radio and across the National and Lyons (bodhrán, bouzouki), Barry
companiment. The Bonny Men have
international festival sphere. Lyons (guitar)
recently added a new member,
Carved out in their 3rd studio album Sean nós singer Roisín Chambers
“The Broken Pledge”, to their line-up,

THE WEAVING The Weaving (Méabh Begley,

Owen Spafford and Cait Ní Ríain)
and raw harmonies inspired by a
deep understanding of their musical
are a trio that bring together the inheritance. The trio have performed
rich musical traditions of Kerry, across Ireland, France and the UK,
Tipperary and Yorkshire, their three including venues such as The
regions of origin. Their music is National Concert Hall, Paris Centre
imbued with the driving rhythms of Culturel Irlandis and Sidmouth Folk
the Gaeltacht of west Kerry, where Festival.
they first met: fierce dance music

22 RtLT 2024
Méabh Begley is a singer, song- toured with Giffords Circus and has and singers that came from near
writer and musician whose musical received a scholarship to study and far. She studied Music and
expression and stylings are deeply composition at the Royal Academy Irish in University College Cork
rooted within the Irish music, of Music. Owen is also an All-Britain where she was awarded the
language and song tradition of her Fiddle Champion in the Fleadh Quercus scholarship for receiving
homeplace of Corca Dhuibhne, the Cheoil na Breataine, BBC Young the highest results in the arts
Gaeltacht of West Kerry, Ireland. A Composer Competition nominee department. She also received
native Irish speaker, Méabh was and has studied with Sam Amidon the Donal Doc Gleeson award for
born into the renowned musical and John Dipper. In 2022 Owen re- excellence in musical performance.
family of the Begleys whose leased a debut album with guitarist Cáit continued her studies in the
undeniable influence has helped in Louis Campbell which Martin Hayes National Folklore Collection in
shaping her energetic instrumental described as “a beautiful, moody University College Dublin, where
playing, emotive and sensitive and tasteful recording that defies she completed her MA thesis on
singing style as well as inspired classification.
the songs and associating folklore
her development of, and transition
Cáit Ní Riain is a traditional singer, in North Tipperary, being awarded
into her passion for composing and
multi instrumentalist, and folklorist the Máire Mac Néill scholarship
songwriting.
from Upperchurch in Co. Tipperary. for excellence in research. Cáit is
Owen Spafford is a fiddle player and She grew up in the world renowned currently working on her first album
composer from Leeds. Owen has music pub, Jim of the Mills, where of traditional songs.
performed for the leaders of the she was deeply influenced by the
commonwealth states, constant stream of musicians

LAOISE KELLY who play 8 instruments made She was Musical Director on
from the same tree-they have two Brendan Beehan’s The Hostage
albums to date. Her latest album and Seán O’Casey’s Purple Dust
release is Ar Lorg na Laochra with Glasgow theatre company
with Monaghan Uilleann piper Arches at the Edinburgh Festival.
Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn. She toured with NY based Mabou
Mines award winning production
Throughout her solo career she
of Peter & Wendy to the
has recorded on over 70 albums
Edinburgh Festival and the Old
Laoise Kelly from Westport, Co. with many of Ireland’s foremost
Vic, off Broadway.
Mayo, now living on Achill Island, artists including Séamus Heaney,
has pioneered a new style of The Chieftains, Christy Moore, She has toured and performed
driving instrumental harping Sharon Shannon, Dónal Lunny, worldwide, at festivals including
showcased in her three critically Tommy Makem, Matt Molloy, Tommy Womad, Celtic Connections,
acclaimed solo albums Just Harp, Peoples, Mary Black, Maighread Celtic Colours, Tonder, Dranouter,
Ceis and Fáilte Uí Cheallaigh. and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, as Lorient, Milwaukee, Armagh Piping
well as Kate Bush and American Festival, and at harp festivals
Laoise was a founding member
country/bluegrass icon Tim O’Brien. throughout Europe and South
of traditional group Bumblebees
Laoise composed new music in America.
with whom she recorded two
2018 for Theatre Gu Leòr’s Scotties,
albums and toured extensively. In 2020 Laoise was awarded
a co-commission of the National
She is a founding member of Musician of the year, TG4’s
Theatre of Scotland and The
Fiddletree a group from America, Gradam Ceoil Ceoltóir na bliana.
Abbey, Dublin.
Cape Breton and Scotland

RtLT 2024 23
SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2024
WORKSHOPS, SESSIONS, AFTERNOON CÉILÍ
AND ALBUM LAUNCH CONCERT
Please note that instrumental workshops are aimed at intermediate to advanced level players. Beginners
are welcome to purchase tickets to attend as observers. Please arrive at workshop venue 30 minutes
before start time to allow for registration. Tickets may be purchased on the door, but advance booking is
recommended as workshops are very popular and places are limited.

WORKSHOPS
TIN WHISTLE WORKSHOP WITH MOSS LANDMAN
11am-1pm Ashford Place - £12.50/£7 under 18

FIDDLE WORKSHOP WITH TURLOUGH CHAMBERS

11am-1pm - Ashford Place – £12.50/£7 under 18

CONCERTINA WORKSHOP WITH CAITLÍN NIC GABHANN

11am-1pm – Ashford Place – £12.50/£7 under 18

UILLEANN PIPES WORKSHOP WITH PÁDRAIG MCGOVERN

11am-1pm – Ashford Place – £12.50/£7 under 18

FLUTE WORKSHOP WITH DAVE SHERIDAN

11am-1pm – Ashford Place – £12.50/£7 under 18

ACCORDION WORKSHOP WITH JOSEPHINE MARSH

11am-1pm – Ashford Place - £12.50/£7 under 18

BANJO WORKSHOP WITH MICK O’CONNOR

11am-1pm – The Crown Hotel – £12.50/£7 under 18

SINGING IN HARMONY WORKSHOP WITH NATALIE NÍ CHASAIDE AND RÓISÍN CHAMBERS

1:30pm-3:30pm – Ashford Place - £12.50/£7 under 18

CHILDREN’S SINGING WORKSHOP WITH CHAN REID

1:30pm-3:30pm – The Crown Hotel £7

Younger group (age 6-11): 1:30pm-2:30pm

Older group 3-4pm (age 12-18): 2:30pm-3:30pm

24 RtLT 2024
AFTERNOON CHILDREN’S SINGING
WORKSHOP
An introduction to singing Irish Songs with Chan Reid. No experience required. U12s to be accompanied
by an adult

Brent Room, The Crown Hotel, 1.30-2.30pm (aged 6-11), 2.30-3.30pm (aged 12-18),
Tickets £7, Chan Reid

sing and play piano by her grand- unaccompanied singing in the

mother before she joined the Irish and English languages and
Royal Academy of Irish Music records regularly for radio and
and Royal College of Music to television, Chan loves singing
attain her music qualifications. harmony and is a regular guest
Chan has sung in choirs all her member of The London Lasses.
life and has been leading singing Chan is also an Irish fiddle player
workshops and choirs for almost and composer and performs with
Chan Reid was born and raised in 2 decades. Chan specialises in Dan Stewart as Irish music duo
Dublin, where she was taught to singing sean nos “old style” Bold Reilly.

RtLT 2024 25
INSTRUMENTAL WORKSHOP TUTORS
See Concert listings for biographies for Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Josephine Marsh, Garadice (Pádraig
McGovern, Dave Sheridan), The Bonny Men (Moss Landman, Turlough Chambers)

MICK O’ CONNOR London’s own Mick O’Connor, All Ireland winner on the tenor
who plays Tenor Banjo, Mandolin, banjo in 1971, Mick has been play-
inherited a love of Irish music ing since 1967 and is a veteran
from his parents who came from of the great days of the London
County Kerry and Roscommon Irish music scene of the 1960s,
in Ireland. “The Dubliners” banjo 70s and 80s. In 2013, he was
player, Barry McKenna, inspired honoured by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí
Mick to learn the Banjo in 1967. Éireann, which bestowed its
He learned tunes from the great Bardic Award on him for his
London Irish musicians, including ‘exceptional contribution to the
John Bowe, Bobby Casey, Tommy promotion of Ireland’s cultural
McCarthy, and Roger Sherlock, traditions’.
and is particularly influenced by
Clare, Galway and Kerry styles of
playing.

SESSIONS
12pm The Crown Hotel (Living Room) – Alan O’Leary, Brendan McAuley, Ed Barrett
2pm The Crown Hotel (Crown Pub) – Annie Quinn, Sinéad Mulvey, Caitlin Mannion,
Ella Connolly, Pete Quinn
3pm The Crown Hotel (Sala Room) Tutor Led Session – Theresa O’Grady,
Ciaran Ó Maonaigh, Peter McAlinden
4pm The Crown Hotel (Living Room) – Philippe Barnes, Ali Barnes, Bryony Lemon
5pm Barrett’s Freehouse – Kevin O’Connor, Kathy Walton, Chris Sadler
6pm The Crown Hotel (Crown Pub) – Eoin Griffin, Stephen Kennedy, Niall Farrelly
6pm The Crown (Lounge by Ivy Suite) – Singing Session hosted by Chan Reid with guests
Méabh Begley and Cait Ní Ríain
7pm Sir Colin Campbell – Caroline Regan, PJ Hynes and friends
9pm The Crown Hotel (Living Room) – Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, Mick Mulvey

26 RtLT 2024
 lnnisfree’s mission is Innisfree Housing Association
190 Iverson Road
to provide housing for London NW6 2HL

people and support them Telephone

020 7625 1818
so that they can play
E-mail
an active part in their [email protected]
community. Website
www.innisfree.org.uk
We speak up for the people we
serve, including those new to their
neighbourhood, drawing on the
experiences of and celebrating our
Irish roots.

RtLT 2024 27
SET DANCING CÉILÍ
MUSIC BY THE PARISH CÉILÍ BAND WITH HOST
TOM KELLEHER
St Agnes’ Centre, Kilburn (2-5pm, Tickets £13 / U18s free when accompanied by a
paying adult)

TUTOR LED SESSION

THERESA O’GRADY, CIARAN Ó MAONAIGH, PETER MCALINDEN
Sala Room, The Crown Hotel (3pm FREE)

TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC QUIZ

WITH HOST: MICK MULVEY
The Ivy Suite, The Crown Hotel (5pm – FREE ticket can be reserved in advance)

A great success in 2023, this is the 2nd year of the Festival Quiz.
A new idea to entertain our festival-goers - Remember, during lockdown, those great online Trad Quizzes?...
well…why not have a Trad Quiz at the Festival?...and why not make it a table quiz? So, are you a bit of a
tradhead? A bit of a traditional Irish music aficionado? Well, why not test that claim…

28 RtLT 2024
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
Up to 10 teams of 3-6 people
6 rounds of 10 questions over approximately 1 hour
You can reserve free tickets through
www.returntolondontown.org or sign up on the day
Prizes: tickets to Return to London Town Festival 2025 and a
chance to get your team name on the perpetual Quiz Trophy!

So in between the jigs and the reels and all the other magical
events on Sunday afternoon, if you fancy a challenge instead
of propping up the bar, get a couple of buddies and sign up
for an hour… Or just pop down on your own and we’ll find
you a team!

SINGING SESSION
HOSTED BY CHAN REID WITH GUESTS MÉABH BEGLEY AND
CAIT NÍ RÍAIN
The Crown (Lounge by Ivy Suite) (6pm FREE)

EVENING ALBUM AND BOOK LAUNCH

JOSEPHINE MARSH (111 ORIGINAL IRISH MUSIC
COMPOSITIONS - BOOK LAUNCH)
PHILIPPE BARNES AND TOM PHELAN (THE CLEARWATER
SESSIONS – ALBUM LAUNCH)

JOSEPHINE MARSH
In this, her first publication of 111 canon and have been recorded
Original Irish Music Compositions by various musicians including,
Josephine Marsh is delighted Michael McGoldrick and John
to present a collection which McSherry, Cherish the Ladies,
includes reels, jigs, slip jigs, horn- The London Lasses, The Yanks
pipes, polkas, waltzes, planxties, and Michelle Mulcahy. In 2020
barndances and slow pieces. Josephine was honoured with
Many of her tunes have made the TG4 Gradam Ceoil award for
their way into the traditional Composer of the Year.

RtLT 2024 29
PHILIPPE BARNES already established a devoted with no click tracks, edits or over-
international following for their dubs – just the natural interplay
AND TOM PHELAN two previous releases and their of two friends thriving off each
sell-out performances all around other’s playing.
the world, from Guildhall London
The album was recorded in
to festivals in Australia and South
Florida at the Clear Tracks studios
Korea. Now they’re back with a
and engineered by the legendary
long awaited follow up.
Stephen Clark, whose previous
In The Clearwater Sessions, credits include that famously
Philippe and Tom present a se- eclectic genius of the piano,
lection of their favourite Scottish Chick Corea. The warmth and
Virtuoso musicians and long-
and Irish traditional tunes, clarity of the recordings captures
standing friends, Philippe Barnes
interspersed with beautiful self- the magic of the performances
and Tom Phelan have been
penned Celtic pieces, all delivered and the total empathy and
exploring the rich legacy of Celtic
in their own unique style that connection of the two players as
music together for twenty years.
seamlessly blends the timeless they put their all into every tune.
The mesmerising combination of sound of Philippe’s flutes and The Clearwater Sessions is a
Philippe’s mastery of the Celtic whistles with the rhythmic drive fresh new take on the tradition,
flute tradition and Tom’s empathetic and opulent chords of Tom’s piano. direct and from the heart, that
touch on piano and his deep All the tunes were recorded live moves it fearlessly forwards to a
knowledge of harmony has in the studio, new global audience.

EVENING CÉILÍ FOR ALL

MUSIC BY MC COOL TRAD
DANCE CALLER: MOIRA DEMPSEY
Ivy Suite, The Crown Hotel (8-10.30pm, Tickets £7)

celebration at the end of a magical The three met at the Ennis Trad
weekend. All welcome – no expe- Festival, County Clare in 2017
rience required. Our caller, Moira and were immediately attracted
Dempsey, will explain all the dance to each other’s strong style of
moves. McCool Trad return once playing. Influenced by music from
again to provide the music. They the northern counties of Ireland.
are made up of Joe O´Connor, a Their concerts are a mix of Irish
fiddle player from County Tyrone, traditional music and popular
The Evening Ceili for All was one London born accordionist Elaine songs from the fifties and sixties
of the highlights from last year’s Finn Davis and Finbarr Walsh, a sung by Finbarr.
festival with all ages taking to the piano accordionist from County
dance floor for a wonderful Down.

30 RtLT 2024
 WED 5TH – SUN 9TH FEB 2025

WEEKEND PASS AVAILABLE

CONCERTS
DERVISH • DANÚ
TARA BREEN, PÁDRAIG RYNNE & JIM MURRAY • JACKIE DALY, EILEEN Ó BRIEN , ANNE
CONROY BURKE, MARY CONROY & DEIRDRE MC SHARRY • PEADAR Ó RÍADA & GEARÓID
DINEEN, AIDAN CONNOLLY & JOHN DALY • NIAMH NÍ CHARRA & KEVIN CORBETT
• THERESA HORGAN, DONAGH HENESSEY, PAULINE SCANLON,
NIAMH VARIAN BARRY & MARTIN BRUNSDAN

ALBUM LAUNCH CÉILÍS

1. THERESA HORGAN UÍ BHRIAIN • THE SHANDRUM CÉILÍ BAND
2. TARA BREEN,JIM MURRAY & • THE ABBEY CÉILÍ BAND • JOHNNY
PADRAIG RYNNE REIDY • THE STAR OF MUNSTER CÉILÍ
3. GER WOLFE BAND • NEILY Ó CONNOR
4. EVELYN O’CONNELL

SET DANCING WORKSHOPS & INSTRUMENT MASTERCLASSES

PAT MURPHY SET DANCING ADVANCED ONLY
ADVANCED ONLY ANNE CONROY BURKE – ACCORDION
RÓISÍN RYAN – SINGING
JOHN THE LEAPER LYNCH – CORK & AIDAN CONNOLLY – FIDDLE
KERRY SETS /BEGINNERS WELCOME TARA BREEN – FIDDLE

TRADITIONAL SINGERS CONCERT

RÓISÍN RYAN , ELLE MARIE Ó DW YER, JIM WALSH, K ATHLEEN & MARIAN MCCANN,
TOM MCKENNA, PAT Ó SULLIVAN, CHRIST Y CRONIN, TIM DENNEHY, ANDREW
BASQUILLE, GERRY KELLIHER, RICHIE FITZGERALD, GER WOLFE, EVELYN O’CONNELL

LATE NIGHT FESTIVAL CLUB - DOUBLE HEADLINERS

FRI 7TH: THE RISING & TALISK SAT 8TH: 3 ON THE BUND & PROJECT SMOK

PLUS
ANNUAL TRIP TO SCART • SCHOOLS OUTREACH PROGRAMME (IN ASSOCIATION WITH
KILL ARNEY CREDIT UNION) • TRADITIONAL MUSIC SESSIONS MORNING , NOON & NIGHT

WWW.THEGATHERING.IE

BOX OFFICE | 064 6671555 | INEC.IE | TICKETMASTER.IE

THE GLENEAGLE HOTEL AND APARTMENTS, MUCKROSS ROAD, KILLARNEY, CO. KERRY
064 66 36000 | GLENEAGLEHOTEL.COM

RtLT 2024 31
MONDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2024
AFTERNOON CONCERT
In association with Irish Elderly Advice Network

ELEANOR SHANLEY AND JOHN MCCARTIN

LONDON IRISH PENSIONER’S CHOIR
LAOISE KELLY AND JOSEPHINE MARSH
Ivy Suite, The Crown Hotel (Doors 2pm, Tickets £12.50/ £7 U18s)

ELEANOR SHANLEY AND JOHN MCCARTIN (See page 7 and 8 for biographies)
LAOISE KELLY (See page 22 for Laoise Kelly’s biography)
JOSEPHINE MARSH Josephine comes from a musical with her band (The Josephine
east Clare/Co Meath family and Marsh Band) and her latest release
began to play the accordion at the in 2018 – ‘Music in the Frame’.
age of seven and cites her father In 2020 Josephine was honoured
Paddy as her earliest musical with the prestigious Gradam
influence. From a very young age Ceoil Award for composer of the
she began to perform on radio year. Josephine and Laoise Kelly
and television and recorded her collaborated with Clare fiddler,
first album with Cyril O’ Donoghue Tara Breen and Cork singer and
at the age of twenty. Since then musician, Nell Ní Chróinín in the
Josephine Marsh is an accordion she has gone on to record three Music Network Ireland’s 2019
player / multi-instrumentalist and more albums: ‘Josephine Marsh’, tour of Ireland and London.
award-winning composer. ‘I Can Hear You Smiling’,

FLASHBACK PHOTOS - Return to London Town Festival 2023

Photography by Caitlín Ní Mhainnín Photography by Caitlín Ní Mhainnín

32 RtLT 2024
THE LONDON IRISH PENSIONERS CHOIR

The London Irish Pensioners The choir has performed for They have performed on RTĖ
Choir brings together more than audiences of tens of thousands Radio and Television, and are
30 older Irish people, most in their including at London’s St Patrick’s regularly played by Donncha
70s and 80s. They come from Day celebrations in Trafalgar Ó Dúlaing on the very popular
all over Ireland and have made Square for several years, and as Fáilte Isteach (10 pm on Saturday
their homes here in London over part of the Irish community choir evenings on RTÉ Radio 1.)
many decades. The choir was in the Royal Albert Hall in honour The choir has recorded a beau-
founded over 10 years ago. Al- of President Michael D Higgin’s tiful album of old Irish songs,
though an independent group, it state visit to Britain in 2014. They Songs of Love and Emigration,
has been supported by the Irish have sung on UK television, in- which has been very popular with
Elderly Advice Network through- cluding for Sir Terry Wogan on ITV the Irish community, both in Lon-
out this time. and on the BBC’s The One Show. don and in Ireland.

RtLT 2024 33
EVENING SCREENING AND ACOUSTIC
MUSIC NIGHT
RTÉ TG4’S ‘CEOLAIREACHT LONDAIN’

The Kiln Theatre, Cinema (Doors 7pm, Free Tickets can be reserved through
www.returntolondontown.org)
7pm: Acoustic Music with members of ‘MNÁ’ – Kathleen Sarsfield O’Shea, Tara McCarthy,
Jess Collins and Phoebe Harty
8pm: Introduction by TG4 presenter, Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, followed by cinema screening of
‘Ceolaireacht – Londain’
9pm: More acoustic music in the Bar

TG4’s second series of some delving into the history of from the London based all-female
‘Ceolaireacht’ (musical wanderings) the Irish in London. It was first band ‘Mná’ before and after the
started with a programme about aired on TG4 on Sunday 21st screening in the John Lyon space
Irish Music in London. The January. Join us to celebrate this of the Kiln Theatre – sessions
programme features Rita Farrell, lovely presentation of some of musicians welcome to join. Last
Eimear McGeown, Mick O’Connor the London Irish music scene on orders at the bar will be 10pm, the
and musicians at The Lamb session, the big screen. venue closes at 10.30pm
Seánín McDonagh, James Óg
This screening will be introduced
Carty, Reg Hall, James Carty,
by the programme’s presenter,
Gary Connolly, Brogan McAuliffe,
Doireann Ní Ghlacáin.
Órlaith McAuliffe, Peter McAlinden,
Karen Ryan, Pete Quinn, Annie The bar will be open and there
Quinn, Katie Quinn and will be acoustic music

34 RtLT 2024
 IN CONCERT
WITH SUPPORT BY THE TRAD GATHERING
SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER
7.30PM DOORS OPEN, 8PM MUSIC

SALA ROOM, THE CROWN HOTEL

142 - 152 CRICKLEWOOD BROADWAY, LONDON NW2 3ED

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM (£22.50/ £7 U18S)

WWW.IRISHMUSICINLONDON.ORG

SUPPORTED BY:

RtLT 2024 35
LISTINGS

A5 ADVERT LAST PAGE.qxp_GRD Ireland 2006 PRO.qxt 16/10/2019 10:11 Page 19

I
rish Traditional Music is at the heart of the Irish culture
and history, never as a static antiquity, the tradition is
alive and vital, open to change yet conservative of its
core values. The essence of Irish Music Magazine is to
reflect what is happening in Irish music in contemporary society.
From the commercial recordings of traditional tunes, to experimentation
with other musical cultures, Irish Music Magazine keeps readers informed
about upcoming tours, events and festivals from the diverse world of
Irish and Celtic acoustic music.
Irish Music Magazine, strives to inform readers and musicians alike,
keeping you abreast of all major developments in the Irish Traditional
Music community. It is this vital human contact which is at the heart of
the music experience and is the reason why Irish Music Magazine is
the leading independent voice on Irish music in the world.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS

28 RtLT2023
36 RtLT 2024
 LONDON SESSION
LISTINGS –

THE HAND OF GLORY (8PM), BLYTHE HILL TAVERN (8.30PM),

TUESDAYS 240 Amhurst Road, Lower Clapton, 319 Stanstead Road, London
THE HANBURY ARMS (7PM), London E8 2BS SE23 1JB – Tel. 0208 6905176
– Tel. 0207 249 7455
33 Linton Street, London N1 7DU
– Tel. 0207 288 2222 MCGOVERN’S (8PM),
60 High Rd, London NW10 2PU
FRIDAYS
SKEHAN’S (7PM, FORTNIGHTLY),
- Tel. 0208 8304981 IRISH CULTURAL CENTRE,
1 Kitto Road, London SE14 5TW
THE OLD EAGLE (8PM, 5 Black’s Road, Hammersmith
– Tel: 0207 732 4859
last Wednesday of the month), W6 9DT (5.30pm)
THE LAMB TAVERN (8.30PM), 251 Royal College St, London – Tel: 0208 5638232
54 Holloway Rd, London N7 8JL NW1 9LU - Tel: 0207 482 6021 BRENDAN THE NAVIGATOR (8PM)
– Tel: 0207 6090253
DOG AND BELL (8:30PM), 90 Highgate Hill, London N19
JAMBOREE (8:30PM) 116 Prince Street, London SE8 3JD 5NQ – Tel: 0203 9761111 Email:
6 St Chad’s Place, London WC1X – Tel: 0208 692 5664 brendanthenavigator@outlook.
9HH – Tel: 0207 278 6797 com
SOUTH LONDON IRISH THURSDAYS HOP POLE (8PM),
ASSOCIATION CLUB (9PM), 64 Putney Bridge Road, London
138-140 Hartfield Rd, Merton, London GARDEN GATE PUB IN SW18 1HR – Tel: 0208 870 8188
SW19 3TG – Tel: 0208 5430608 HAMPSTEAD (7.30PM, FIRST
SOUTH LONDON IRISH
THURSDAY OF THE MONTH)
ASSOCIATION CLUB (9PM,
14 South End Road, Hampstead
WEDNESDAYS NW3 2QE – Tel: 0207 4354938
LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH),
138-140 Hartfield Rd, Merton,
THE LAURISTON (7:30PM), London SW19 3TG
THE OLD JUSTICE (7PM),
162 Victoria Park Rd, London E9 7JN – Tel: 0208 5430608
94 Bermondsey Wall East, London
- Tel 0208 985 404
SE16 4TY – Tel: 07572120029
YE OLDE MONKEN HOLT
LONDON IRISH CENTRE (8:30PM), SATURDAYS
(7.30PM), 50-52 Camden Square, 193 High Street, Hadley, Barnet
London NW1 9XB HOWL AT THE MOON (2PM),
EN5 5SU – Tel. 020 8449 4280
- Tel: 0207 9162222 178 Hoxton St, London N1 5LH
THE PRINCE ALBERT (9PM), – Tel. 0207 6881970
ABERCORN ARMS (7.30PM), 54-56 Hounslow Road, Whitton,
76-78 Church Road, Teddington, Twickenham TW2 7EX
TW11 8EY – Tel: 0203 7306602 – Tel: 0208 8981871

RtLT 2024 37
BRENDAN THE NAVIGATOR THE HOPE (4PM), JONOS (6:30PM),
(7:30PM) 90 Highgate Hill, London 15 Tottenham Street, London W1T 13 Station Parade, London W5 3LD
N19 5NQ – Tel: 0203 9761111 2AJ - Tel: 07943 837789 - Tel: 02089938919
Email: brendanthenavigator@ THE WHISKEY TUMBLER CAROLINE REGAN, PJ HYNES
outlook.com (5:30PM), 401 Coldharbour Ln, AND FRIENDS (7PM), 264-266
COLIN CAMPBELL (8PM), London SW9 8LQ Kilburn High Road, London NW6
264-266 Kilburn High Road, London – Tel: 0203 198 2358 2BY – Tel: 0207 6935443
NW6 2BY – Tel. 0207 6935443 MARY MADDEN’S (6PM), THE SHEEPHAVEN BAY (7PM),
Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3EF 2 Mornington Street, London
SUNDAYS THE WB YEATS (6:30PM), NW1 7QD – Tel. 020 7380 1323
HOWL AT THE MOON (2PM), 20 Fonthill Road, London N4 3HU THE HOLE IN THE WALL
178 Hoxton St, London N1 5LH – Tel: 0208 617 3400 (7:30PM), 5 Mepham Street,
– Tel: 0207 7399221 MCCAFFERTYS (6:30PM), London SE1 8SQ
THE SHIP (3PM), 699 High Rd, Ilford IG3 8RH – Tel: 0207 928 6196
68 Borough Road, London SE1 – Tel: 0208 599 0008 THE LAMB (8PM), 54 Holloway
1DX – Tel: 0203 924 6868 PJ O’CONNORS (6:30PM), Road, London N7 8JL
BRENDAN THE NAVIGATOR 239 High Road, London N22 8HF – Tel: 0207 6090253
(4PM), 90 Highgate Hill, London – Tel: 0208 888 6413 THE DUKE OF CORNWALL
N19 5NQ – Tel: 0203 9761111 THE WOODBINE (6:30PM, (8:30PM), 48 Fulham Palace Rd,
Email: brendanthenavigator@ last Sunday of the month), 215 London W6 9PH
outlook.com Blackstock Rd, London N5 2LL - Tel: 02087483948
MYDDLETON ARMS (4PM), THE RAMBLE INN (6:30PM),
52 Canonbury Rd, London N1 2HS 223 Mitcham Rd, Tooting, London
- Tel: 020 7226 4595 SW17 9JG – Tel: 0208 7674040

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE!

Good quality t-shirts, hoodies, long sleeved tops in a variety of colours and styles
– with this year’s Festival logo featured.
Also new to our merchandise range: Stickers, Mugs, Canvas Tote Bags and
Coasters. All available online through our websites:
www.returntolondontown.org
www.irishmusicinlondon.org
or directly from: https://www.mudchutney.co.uk/collections/return-to-london-
town-2024

38 RtLT 2024
LISTINGS

60 Ashford Road - Cricklewood - NW2 6TU

tel: 020 8208 8590 email: [email protected]
www.ashfordplace.org.uk

information, advice and guidance for the Irish community

what can we do for you?
housing benefit assistance
homelessness prevention
resettlement support
supported accommodation
PIP claim support
pension assistance

community events in our Wellbeing Hub

involvement with the Cricklewood Town
Team Regeneration project
therapy spaces
rooms and outdoor space for hire

mental health mentoring

befriending in the community
improving healthcare access
dementia cafe support groups
wellbeing activities, walks and support
groups
Fit + Well physical wellbeing program
independent living guidance
crisis prevention
cafe and 3 course lunch available to all
digital inclusion and training
paperwork and form assistance

Patrons: Ben Bailey Smith, Diarmuid Gavin, Fergal Keane

Registered Charity: 1097475
Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and
Wales: 04407339

30 RtLT2023
RtLT 2024 39
COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY NO. 9031004 Donate to IMDL
FOUNDED 2014

www.returntolondontown.org
IMDLEvents
@IMDLEvents @Imdlevents
irishmusicdanceinlondon Irish Music and Dance in London
E: [email protected]
W: www.irishmusicinlondon.org

presents London’s 26th Festival of traditional Irish music, song and

dance ‘Return to London Town’ and would like to thank its 2024
partners and funders: