THE ever-popular Return to London Town festival returns this month.
Now in its 23rd year, the annual event is back in full and in person from October 22-25, the organisers have confirmed.
“There are real treats in store for all lovers of the genre, with four fantastic days of concerts, céilís, workshops and sessions,” they explain.
James Carty, Jonas Fromseier and Eimear McGeownFor 2021 Festival headquarters will be the Clayton Crown Hotel in Cricklewood, north London, with additional venues located close by or a short distance up the road to Kilburn.
This year also sees a return to a full schedule of instrumental workshops with traditional Irish music’s best instrumentalists covering a wide range of instruments.
Derek Hickey will be taking part in the ever-popular festivalFor the dancers there are afternoon set dancing céilís over the weekend with the Parish Céilí Band, and on Sunday evening there is an Evening Céilí for All with music from McCool Trad and caller Marian Turner.
Afternoon and evening concerts offer an opportunity to see an impressive line-up of performers, with big names like Seán Keane, Matt Molloy and Michael McCague, Andy Martyn, John Carty, Eimear McGeown, Jonas Fromseier and many more.
Several new albums will be celebrated during this year’s Festival, including Will We Give it a Go? the debut solo album from Andy Martyn, the Goodman Manuscripts Trio’s second album, and Lady on the Island by Michelle Mulcahy.
Matt Molloy will be on the line-upIndividual tickets for all events are now available to purchase via the newly launched Festival website here.
There is also a special offer all-inclusive ticket allowing entry to all concerts and céilís for just £40.
The Clayton Crown Hotel is also offering B&B rate discounts for Festival goers who book here using the promo code ‘RETURNTL’.
Return to London Town Festival 2021: London’s 23rd Annual Festival of traditional Irish music, song and dance. Friday 22nd – Monday 25th October
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Friday 22 October 2021
Evening Concert: Ivy Suite, Clayton Crown Hotel (Doors 7.30pm, Tickets £20/ £6 U18s)
Andy Martyn, John Carty, Gino Lupari, Matt Griffin/ Goodman Manuscripts Trio: Aoife Ní Bhríain, Emer Mayock, Mick O’Brien/ Eimear McGeown, James Carty, Jonas Fromseier
Clayton Crown Hotel (Cricklewood) and Colin Campbell (Kilburn) - FREE Sessions
Saturday 23 October 2021
Instrumental Workshops at various Cricklewood venues (11am-1pm, Tickets £10/ £6 U18s)
Workshop Registration at the Clayton Crown Hotel, Cricklewood at 10.30am
Whistle: Dee Havlin, Fiddle: John Carty, Concertina: Alex Kelly, Banjo: Jonas Fromseier, Accordion: Derek Hickey, Uilleann Pipes: Mick O’Brien, Flute: Emer Mayock, Harp: Michelle Mulcahy
Programmed Music Sessions from 1pm until late: Clayton Crown Hotel, plus other Cricklewood and Kilburn venues - FREE
Singing Workshop: Black Lion Pub (function room), Kilburn (2-4pm, Tickets £10) Chan Reid
Afternoon Concert: Ivy Suite, Clayton Crown Hotel (Doors 2pm, Tickets £10/ £6 U18s)
Jacqueline McCarthy and Tommy Keane/ Michelle Mulcahy/ Mick Mulvey and Pete Quinn
Tutor Led Session: Sala Room, Clayton Crown Hotel (3pm FREE) Derek Hickey, Mick O’Brien, Peter McAlinden
Singing Session: Black Lion Pub (function room), Kilburn (5-7pm, FREE)
Set Dancing Céilí: Mazenod Social Club, Kilburn (4-7pm, Tickets £12)
Music by the Parish Céilí Band
Evening Concert: Ivy Suite, Clayton Crown Hotel (Doors 7.30pm, Ticket £20/ £6 U18s)
Seán Keane, Matt Molloy, Michael McCague/ Derek Hickey, Michael McCague/ The Wilderness Yet
Sunday 23 October 2021
Instrumental Workshops at various Cricklewood venues (11am-1pm, Tickets £10)
Workshop Registration at the Clayton Crown Hotel, Cricklewood at 10.30am
Whistle: Eimear McGeown, Fiddle: Aoife Ní Bhríain, Concertina: Jacqueline McCarthy, Banjo: Mick O’Connor, Accordion: Andy Martyn, Uilleann Pipes: Tommy Keane, Flute: John Rynne, Accompaniment: Michael McCague
Programmed Music Sessions from 1pm until late: Clayton Crown Hotel, plus other Cricklewood and Kilburn venues - FREE
Set Dancing Céilí: St Agnes’ Centre, Cricklewood (2-5pm, Tickets £12)
Music by the Parish Céilí Band
Tutor Led Session: Sala Room, Clayton Crown Hotel (3pm FREE) Jacqueline McCarthy, Tommy Keane, Peter McAlinden
Acoustic Album Launch: Sala Room, Clayton Crown Hotel (7pm FREE)
‘The Wavy Bow Collection’ with John and James Carty, Jonas Fromseier, Michael McCague, Matt Griffin
(Sala Room, Clayton Crown Hotel) – FREE ENTRY
Evening Céilí for All: Ivy Suite, Clayton Crown Hotel (8-10.30pm, Tickets £5)
Music by McCool Trad, dance calling by Marian Turner (no previous experience required)
Monday 25th October 2021
Afternoon Concert: Ivy Suite, Clayton Crown Hotel (Doors 2pm, Tickets £10/ £6 U18s)
Jacqueline McCarthy and Tommy Keane/ Andy Martyn, Gino Lupari and friends/ Mick O’Connor, Michael Sweeney and Tad Sargent/ London Irish Pensioners Choir
For festival tickets click here.
