• NIAMH NÍ CHARRA • MABON •
• AMY WADGE • COLUM & EOGHAN REGAN •
• SILD • TRÍ • THE REELING STONES • BECK SIÀN • MORDEKKERS •
• DELYTH & ANGHARAD JENKINS • HUW CHIDGEY • BEST BEFORE MIDNIGHT •
n
• THE CITY OF NEWCASTLE PIPE BAND • PIBAU PLANED • TRIPHLYG •
• ELIN & THE TRIBALITES • THE DAI BACH BAND • RUSTY SHACKLE •
• ANNETTE DAVIES & GEOFF LILES • KANTREF • CÔR MERCHED CWM LLYNFI •
plus dance groups including
• PERREE T • KEKEZZA • CWMNI DAWNS WERIN CAERDYDD •
• BALLOCHLEAM HIGHLAND DANCERS • DAWNSWYR PENYFAI •
• McCARTHY FELTON IRISH DANCERS •
Plus more tba
• AMY WADGE • COLUM & EOGHAN REGAN •
• SILD • TRÍ • THE REELING STONES • BECK SIÀN • MORDEKKERS •
• DELYTH & ANGHARAD JENKINS • HUW CHIDGEY • BEST BEFORE MIDNIGHT •
n
• THE CITY OF NEWCASTLE PIPE BAND • PIBAU PLANED • TRIPHLYG •
• ELIN & THE TRIBALITES • THE DAI BACH BAND • RUSTY SHACKLE •
• ANNETTE DAVIES & GEOFF LILES • KANTREF • CÔR MERCHED CWM LLYNFI •
plus dance groups including
• PERREE T • KEKEZZA • CWMNI DAWNS WERIN CAERDYDD •
• BALLOCHLEAM HIGHLAND DANCERS • DAWNSWYR PENYFAI •
• McCARTHY FELTON IRISH DANCERS •
Plus more tba
Here’s this year’s fantastic line-up,
with more to come!
Niamh Ní Charra hails from Killarney, County Kerry in the south west of Ireland. Strongly influenced by the wealth of local Sliabh Luachra musicians, she started playing music at the early age of 4, under the tutelage of well known local musician Nicky McAuliffe. Equally talented on fiddle and concertina, she has won numerous awards, including Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, Oireachtas, and Slogadh Naisiunta and has represented Ireland at folk festivals in Britain and France. Somewhat of a child prodigy, she had support gigs for The Chieftains, and Noel Hill under her belt before she reached her teens.
The draw of the music proved too strong, and Niamh decided to resign from work to pursue a career in music. She moved to Cork to take a year-
Niamh has returned to Dublin, Ireland where she is working as a freelance musician, regularly gigging across the city. She has taught both fiddle and concertina at Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann's national headquarters, An Culturlann in Monkstown, and regularly gives workshops. She released her debut album "Ón Dá Thaobh / From Both Sides" in 2007 to much critical acclaim -
Reviews:-
"The crossroads where the traditional and the contemporary collide: that's where Niamh Ni Charra lurks, not quite selling her soul to the devil, but bartering it for high stakes. She's brought her fiddle and concertina home, after a lengthy stint with Riverdance, and throughout "On Da Thaobh" she strips bare old tunes, such as Caoineadh Eoghain Rua, and boldly reinterprets Jerry Holland's Mutt's Favourite, pairing it with her own jittering set piece, San Antonio. Forget talk of tradition versus innovation: Ni Charra's facility with everything from 19th-
"Charming fiddler Niamh Ni Charra, who seemed to dance a jig while playing one, easily could have been a one-
"Blonde fiddler phenomenon!"
Charleston Gazette, Charleston
Wales based MABON, led by gifted composer/accordionist Jamie Smith, have worked their way into the core of the British and European Celtic music firmament through determined hard work and an ability to produce beautiful original music that really does engage with audiences.
Their repertoire is truly interceltic, spanning all of those musical genres from Scotland to Galicia – and with its defining and unique style, garners further inspiration from the musical influences of Eastern Europe - likened in style to a band of musicians who have determinedly traded their craft in France, having majored in Irish, Welsh and Scottish musical theory and spent summer holidays immersed in the music of Budapest - the band’s ability to seamlessly engage and create such differing musical textures, provides them and audiences with a show of individuality, passion and energy.
Over the past 3 years this talented professional band has built a reputation that has seen it spread its creative, joyous music across the world: grand outdoor spectaculars in Brittany and France, festivals in the UK, delirious all comers in Mexico, forest parks in Italy, waterfront shows in Australia and castles in Poland.
Mabon has been entertaining audiences with its unique brand of partying, with a conviction and professionalism that belies their youth(apart from Derek!), laying lasting markers on their route and being recalled to liven up events in many of the centres they’ve already conquered.
Now determinedly set to raise their profile, their recent acclaimed and ‘busy’ OK UK Tour attracted a slew of national and local press, radio interviews, playlistings and 2 TV appearances, and with the 2010 festival season attracting their attention, the next 12 months seems set to enhance the bands growing reputation even further. Confirmed already is a mainstage show at the huge ‘Festival Interceltique’ at Lorient, Brittany in August, a request for shows in the USA and a further major tour encompassing the whole of the UK and Eire in the autumn.
Mabon are constantly engaged in performing wherever they can, rallying the converted and embracing new fans. This is made all the easier when you have produced such a body of work as their acclaimed recent album ‘OK Pewter’ , which has been burnished with handsome plaudits from press and public. There are over 60 Mabon clips on youtube, and their myspace and facebook sites continue to attract many new devotees weekly.
Their repertoire is truly interceltic, spanning all of those musical genres from Scotland to Galicia – and with its defining and unique style, garners further inspiration from the musical influences of Eastern Europe -
Over the past 3 years this talented professional band has built a reputation that has seen it spread its creative, joyous music across the world: grand outdoor spectaculars in Brittany and France, festivals in the UK, delirious all comers in Mexico, forest parks in Italy, waterfront shows in Australia and castles in Poland.
Mabon has been entertaining audiences with its unique brand of partying, with a conviction and professionalism that belies their youth(apart from Derek!), laying lasting markers on their route and being recalled to liven up events in many of the centres they’ve already conquered.
Now determinedly set to raise their profile, their recent acclaimed and ‘busy’ OK UK Tour attracted a slew of national and local press, radio interviews, playlistings and 2 TV appearances, and with the 2010 festival season attracting their attention, the next 12 months seems set to enhance the bands growing reputation even further. Confirmed already is a mainstage show at the huge ‘Festival Interceltique’ at Lorient, Brittany in August, a request for shows in the USA and a further major tour encompassing the whole of the UK and Eire in the autumn.
Mabon are constantly engaged in performing wherever they can, rallying the converted and embracing new fans. This is made all the easier when you have produced such a body of work as their acclaimed recent album ‘OK Pewter’ , which has been burnished with handsome plaudits from press and public. There are over 60 Mabon clips on youtube, and their myspace and facebook sites continue to attract many new devotees weekly.
Amy Wadge, (pronounced ‘Woj’), is an established singer-songwriter with four album releases to her name as well as a number of singles, EPs and cuts with other artists. Her latest album, “Acoustig”,
released in late 2009 is getting great reviews and gaining a new audience with its Welsh language input.
In the past, Amy twice won the Best Solo Female Artist title at the Welsh Music Awards, ahead of
Charlotte Church in 2002 and Cerys Matthews in 2003. Amy was also chosen by the BBC to launch
“6Music”, along with Lenny Kravitz, Pete Yorne, The Stereophonics and Embrace.
Amy has toured extensively in Europe, Asia and Australia and has recently returned from the US, after a
highly successful series of appearances at ‘South by South West’, which resulted in global recording
and distribution approaches. On a previous visit to the States, Amy appeared at Nashville’s renowned,
Bluebird Café and took the place by storm.
Amy has also performed at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient to a very appreciative audience.
A gutsy performer with a voice that is “tough but tender”[Venue Magazine], Amy has supported some
of the world’s great artists, Van Morrison, Damien Rice, Eric Bibb and was Jeff Beck’s chosen support
for the whole of his first UK tour for 15 years in 2004.
Having taken time out to have a baby, Amy is delighted to be back out on tour - if only to have a rest!
What they say:-
‘A class act’ - Record Collector
‘…a songwriter and performer to be reckoned with.’ - Rock n’ Reel
released in late 2009 is getting great reviews and gaining a new audience with its Welsh language input.
In the past, Amy twice won the Best Solo Female Artist title at the Welsh Music Awards, ahead of
Charlotte Church in 2002 and Cerys Matthews in 2003. Amy was also chosen by the BBC to launch
“6Music”, along with Lenny Kravitz, Pete Yorne, The Stereophonics and Embrace.
Amy has toured extensively in Europe, Asia and Australia and has recently returned from the US, after a
highly successful series of appearances at ‘South by South West’, which resulted in global recording
and distribution approaches. On a previous visit to the States, Amy appeared at Nashville’s renowned,
Bluebird Café and took the place by storm.
Amy has also performed at the Festival Interceltique de Lorient to a very appreciative audience.
A gutsy performer with a voice that is “tough but tender”[Venue Magazine], Amy has supported some
of the world’s great artists, Van Morrison, Damien Rice, Eric Bibb and was Jeff Beck’s chosen support
for the whole of his first UK tour for 15 years in 2004.
Having taken time out to have a baby, Amy is delighted to be back out on tour -
What they say:-
‘A class act’ -
‘…a songwriter and performer to be reckoned with.’ -
Colum Regan is no stranger to regulars of our festival. He has been part of the Welsh music scene for 10 years, as one half of the hugely popular and internationally acclaimed duo New Druids, and as a successful singer/songwriter in his own right. His songs are rated very highly n the music scene by his loyal fans and fellow musicians. His delivery of a song is second to none.
Colum has supported some fantastic acts including Seth Lakeman, Tom Baxter, American folk legend Richie Havens and has worked in the studio with Grammy nominees on both sides of the Atlantic. He is also support artist of choice by our own Mabon.
Eoghan Regan, Colum’s brother has been at the heart of the lively Cork music scene as a guitarist for many years and is considered to be one of the top session players in the south of Ireland. His range covers blues jazz folk classical and rock, and our festival director Derek Smith rates Eoghan as one of the best and most natural guitarists he’s ever seen(...“I can’t wait to see these 2 brothers together - it’ll be a highlight”) .
The brothers have recently been working on a new and exciting project with Wales’ Charlotte Church, but are looking forward to putting together a set based on traditional folk tunes for Cwlwm Celtaidd
www.myspace.com/columregan
Colum has supported some fantastic acts including Seth Lakeman, Tom Baxter, American folk legend Richie Havens and has worked in the studio with Grammy nominees on both sides of the Atlantic. He is also support artist of choice by our own Mabon.
Eoghan Regan, Colum’s brother has been at the heart of the lively Cork music scene as a guitarist for many years and is considered to be one of the top session players in the south of Ireland. His range covers blues jazz folk classical and rock, and our festival director Derek Smith rates Eoghan as one of the best and most natural guitarists he’s ever seen(...“I can’t wait to see these 2 brothers together -
The brothers have recently been working on a new and exciting project with Wales’ Charlotte Church, but are looking forward to putting together a set based on traditional folk tunes for Cwlwm Celtaidd
www.myspace.com/columregan
Delyth Jenkins is without doubt one of the very best Welsh harpists. Born in the border town of Oswestry, she moved to South Wales to study French and English and has been there ever since. Although she played the piano from an early age, she did not take up the harp (and the Welsh language) until her early twenties.
Starting her musical career with the Swansea-based band Cromlech, she later combined with two of the members to form the highly acclaimed instrumental trio “Aberjaber”. Alongside this, she developed her own successful solo career, performing across Europe and the States, as well as closer to home. To date she has two solo albums and a third in the pipeline, combining her love of traditional music and her own contemporary compositions.
Apart from her concert spot this year, Delyth Jenkins is an experienced provider of educational workshops for all age groups and will be holding a masterclass at this year’s festival.As a great bonus, Delyth will be joined on Sunday - for a second concert spot - by her highly talented daughter Angharad, who you will know as fiddler and front-woman of the great young trad Welsh band Calan.
www.delyth-jenkins.co.uk
Starting her musical career with the Swansea-
Apart from her concert spot this year, Delyth Jenkins is an experienced provider of educational workshops for all age groups and will be holding a masterclass at this year’s festival.As a great bonus, Delyth will be joined on Sunday -
www.delyth-
The Reeling Stones originally formed in 2005 and since then have progressed a long way, changing band members and line up and developing into one of the great young bands at the forefront of Manx music today.
They have represented the Isle of Man at various festivals, including Lowender Peran, last year’s Cwlwm Celtaidd, and Celtic Congress. This group is extremely diverse, they can do everything! Tunes, Songs (in English and Manx Gaelic), Ceilidhs, Workshops, slow to fast and of course even faster!! They’re never too far away from a session either! However, they now feel it is time for a new band name after the changes they have undertaken, so look out for this in the near future! The Reeling Stones hope you enjoy listening to their music as much as they enjoy playing it.
www.myspace.com/thereelingstones
They have represented the Isle of Man at various festivals, including Lowender Peran, last year’s Cwlwm Celtaidd, and Celtic Congress. This group is extremely diverse, they can do everything! Tunes, Songs (in English and Manx Gaelic), Ceilidhs, Workshops, slow to fast and of course even faster!! They’re never too far away from a session either! However, they now feel it is time for a new band name after the changes they have undertaken, so look out for this in the near future! The Reeling Stones hope you enjoy listening to their music as much as they enjoy playing it.
www.myspace.com/thereelingstones
SILD (Estonian word for bridge) are the exquisite singer, fiddler and hiiu-kannel player Sille Ilves, from Estonia, and innovative Welsh guitarist Martin Leamon. Together they create a timeless and haunting marriage of Estonian and Welsh musical cultures, proving each to be a living, breathing thing.
Strikingly original, Sille’s use of different tunings on fiddle and hiiu kannel (bowed harp) sends the Estonian tradition in adventurous new directions and finds new soundscapes in traditional Welsh melodies. Singing in both languages Sille’s pure, natural vocal technique is perfectly complimented by Martin`s intimate & inventive guitar playing.
Powerful yet delicate, SILD create a new music from the ancient edges of Europe.
“Their magical soundscapes are otherworldly and beautiful, their new album TRO is a great night time listen”- Huw Stephens, BBC Radio 1
“Lovely, lovely music”- Verity Sharp, BBC Radio 3 Late Junction
www.sildmusic.com
Strikingly original, Sille’s use of different tunings on fiddle and hiiu kannel (bowed harp) sends the Estonian tradition in adventurous new directions and finds new soundscapes in traditional Welsh melodies. Singing in both languages Sille’s pure, natural vocal technique is perfectly complimented by Martin`s intimate & inventive guitar playing.
Powerful yet delicate, SILD create a new music from the ancient edges of Europe.
“Their magical soundscapes are otherworldly and beautiful, their new album TRO is a great night time listen”-
“Lovely, lovely music”-
www.sildmusic.com
Mordekkers are amoung the most innovative live bands in the UK today. Based in southwest Wales, this unique four piece mix traditional and original folk tunes played on pipes and mandola, with fresh, modern drum and bass rhythms . The result is an energetic infectious groove that never fails to get audiences dancing.
The origins of the Mordekkers lie with Peni Ediker and Stef Balesi. Through years of traveling and performing with others, and working together as a duo, they have developed a tight musical understanding between them. Their vision was to team up with a kicking rhythm section. This arrived in the form of Charlie and Henry Willatts.
Many listeners remark on how the band somehow manages to sound primal and ancient, and yet, at the same time, entirely at home in the 21st Century.
"Tight, driving, intricate & stangely trance-like celtic folk 'n' drum 'n' base " - Small World
www.mordekkers.co.uk
The origins of the Mordekkers lie with Peni Ediker and Stef Balesi. Through years of traveling and performing with others, and working together as a duo, they have developed a tight musical understanding between them. Their vision was to team up with a kicking rhythm section. This arrived in the form of Charlie and Henry Willatts.
Many listeners remark on how the band somehow manages to sound primal and ancient, and yet, at the same time, entirely at home in the 21st Century.
"Tight, driving, intricate & stangely trance-
www.mordekkers.co.uk
"From Melbourne to Meifod”... Australian singer Beck Sian was called to Wales by her Celtic parentage (a mother from Haverfordwest and an Irish father) and a love of Celtic music, myths and legends, and has lived in Wales for the past two years.
An avid collector of ghost stories and supernatural ballads, Beck's songs take you on emotive journeys through haunted castles and twilight gardens. Performing original material from her debut CD 'Unfurling' and her brand new CD 'Luminous Wings & Unseen Things', as well as her interpretations of traditional Celtic ballads, Beck's vocal range and colourful persona make quite an impact. An interesting blending together of Welsh, Irish and Australian influences and a haunting and beautiful experience not to be missed."
www.becksianmusic.com
An avid collector of ghost stories and supernatural ballads, Beck's songs take you on emotive journeys through haunted castles and twilight gardens. Performing original material from her debut CD 'Unfurling' and her brand new CD 'Luminous Wings & Unseen Things', as well as her interpretations of traditional Celtic ballads, Beck's vocal range and colourful persona make quite an impact. An interesting blending together of Welsh, Irish and Australian influences and a haunting and beautiful experience not to be missed."
www.becksianmusic.com
TRÍ is Irish for three, appropriate for a band with three members, three fiddle players, three bodhran players...etc. All three members have been active as solo folk musicians in their own local clubs and festivals for some time. They have a shared love of Irish Traditional music but are also open to other musical influences. The band has established a reputation for fresh, energetic sets at festivals and folk clubs. In their first year (2009) they received rave reviews at Alcester, Godiva, Warwick, Bideford, Bedworth & Fylde Festivals & Biddulph Folk In The Park. In 2010, they are already booked at Barnsley Tender Shoots, Wirral Folk On The Coast, Cleckheaton, Warwick, Bromyard & Derby Traditional Music Festival.
Tri are:-
www.myspace.com/trifolk
Tri are:-
www.myspace.com/trifolk
Huw Chidgey is a guitarist and singer who has played in bands and solo since the early eighties, when he was resident performer at the well-respected Dingles Folk Club in London.
In 1998, having lived in the Scottish Borders for a number of years, he joined the Hanky Panky Band with whom he toured in Europe and played summer seasons in Majorca and Cyprus. In his time in Scotland, Huw won the 1997 Newcastleton Festival Traditional Singers competition, and the prestigious New Border Ballad song writing competition within the same summer.
He was born and still lives in Cwmaman, or 'Shang-Ri-La' as it's often referred to (mostly by Huw, though), in the South Wales valleys.
This is Huw’s second visit to the festival, having performed last year in a duo with Catherine Handley. This year Huw gets to sing solo and show that the best voices really do come from the Valleys!”
www.myspace.com/huwchidgey
In 1998, having lived in the Scottish Borders for a number of years, he joined the Hanky Panky Band with whom he toured in Europe and played summer seasons in Majorca and Cyprus. In his time in Scotland, Huw won the 1997 Newcastleton Festival Traditional Singers competition, and the prestigious New Border Ballad song writing competition within the same summer.
He was born and still lives in Cwmaman, or 'Shang-
This is Huw’s second visit to the festival, having performed last year in a duo with Catherine Handley. This year Huw gets to sing solo and show that the best voices really do come from the Valleys!”
www.myspace.com/huwchidgey
Best before Midnight, from Scotland use an eclectic mixture of traditional ceilidh tunes with funky and catchy arrangements unique to Best Before Midnight, together with ceilidh tunes such as "The Broken Chair", "The Cukoos nest" and "Gillians Muckle Lochan" written and arranged by band members. This mix of music ensures no two sets are alike, music for each dance being vibrant unexpected and different
The band features Phil MacFarlane on fiddle, Fraser Campbell on keyboards, Craig Scott on drums and percussion, Ronald Webster on Bass guitar, electro-accoustic guitar and vocals & Jim Campbell on lead guitar and harmonies. The band is a collaboration of versatile and richly talented musicians with an enviable wealth of experience in the music business.
Calling the dances is ex 3 times Senior Scottish Highland Dancing champion Gillian Whitelaw, also leader and teacher of Ballochleam Highland Dancers.
The band will also performing a concert set during the weekend.
www.bestbeforemidnight.co.uk
The band features Phil MacFarlane on fiddle, Fraser Campbell on keyboards, Craig Scott on drums and percussion, Ronald Webster on Bass guitar, electro-
Calling the dances is ex 3 times Senior Scottish Highland Dancing champion Gillian Whitelaw, also leader and teacher of Ballochleam Highland Dancers.
The band will also performing a concert set during the weekend.
www.bestbeforemidnight.co.uk
Best Before Midnight
Delyth Jenkins
& Angharad
TRÍ
Huw Chidgey
SILD
The Reeling Stones
Kantref - Take an accordion, guitar, four fiddles, mandolin and mandola. Mix well and add a touch of electric bass. Apply liberally to a tasty selection of Breton dance tunes. The perfect recipe for a full-flavoured Fest Noz! Kantref are Geoff Liles, Annette Davies, Pete Damsell and Gwilym Hardy. Based in mid-Wales, they play regularly for French and Breton dancing at the Llanbadarn Fest Noz, Aberystwyth, where Annette also teaches. At Cwlwm Celtaidd they will be joined by Cardiff-based Ken Humphreys on electric bass. Get ready to dance the night away!
Look out for the Breton Dance Workshops on Saturday daytime led by Kantref’s Annette Davies.
“…. a wonderful Breton dance teacher…..”
“….. great workshops – good fun & excellent teaching!…..”
Look out for the Breton Dance Workshops on Saturday daytime led by Kantref’s Annette Davies.
“…. a wonderful Breton dance teacher…..”
“….. great workshops – good fun & excellent teaching!…..”
Kantref
Rusty Shackle, formed in early 2010, these lads from Caldicot, South Wales, debut their new sound at Cwlwm Celtaidd, creating a rustic old time sound that conjures up imagery of Missisippi steam boats, seedy show girls and bar room brawls.
Their sound draws influences from Bluegrass, Folk, Celtic and Old Time Blues, throwing together Guitar, Fiddle, Banjo, Bass and Percussion to give the natural ingredients for their contemporary folk music.
High energy live performances and limitless enthusiasm will guarantee a good visual performance along with great music
www.reverbnation.com/rustyshackle
Their sound draws influences from Bluegrass, Folk, Celtic and Old Time Blues, throwing together Guitar, Fiddle, Banjo, Bass and Percussion to give the natural ingredients for their contemporary folk music.
High energy live performances and limitless enthusiasm will guarantee a good visual performance along with great music
www.reverbnation.com/rustyshackle
Rusty
Shackle
Shackle
Pibau Planed are a traditional Celtic acoustic band specialising mainly in the music of Wales, but also include tunes from Brittany & Galicia and other tunes with a mediaeval feel.
The musical line-up covers a wide range of sounds from pipes & drums to crwth & pibgorn, with an appearance also being made by the mandola, concertina, oboe & whistle.
This band of modern day minstrels will be around all weekend and will also add an "old" feel to the Parade of Celts on Saturday!
The musical line-
Pibau Planed
Fresh, earthy and original, the Tribalites came from a chance meeting of minds at Carmarthen’s Art College in 2006. From their weekly session, the Tribalites are born: Elin on Harp, Peter on Concertina,
Simon on Vocals, Daibalika & Percussion, Callum on fiddle, Jethro on whistle & Gary on Bouzouki.
Elin and the Tribalites make their special connection with audiences through total honesty of expression. In a mix of traditional tunes and their own original songs their performances rally up the audience with a fun and rombustuous musical performance. Their songs, composed by Simon, are inspired by past and present life in and around Carmarthen.
“You’re the band that makes everyone feel good” - Audience member at the Royal Welsh Show.
“You injected real spirit into the festival” – Festival worker at Cwlwm Celtaidd.
“My son insists we play ‘Good morning oak tree’ every day!” - fan of the CD.
Simon on Vocals, Daibalika & Percussion, Callum on fiddle, Jethro on whistle & Gary on Bouzouki.
Elin and the Tribalites make their special connection with audiences through total honesty of expression. In a mix of traditional tunes and their own original songs their performances rally up the audience with a fun and rombustuous musical performance. Their songs, composed by Simon, are inspired by past and present life in and around Carmarthen.
“You’re the band that makes everyone feel good” -
“You injected real spirit into the festival” – Festival worker at Cwlwm Celtaidd.
“My son insists we play ‘Good morning oak tree’ every day!” -
Elin & The Tribalites
The City of Newcastle Pipeband was formed in 1920 with Pipers and Drummers from the first Battalion of the Tyneside Scottish who had just returned from the 1914-1918 great war.
The first Tartan used by the band was the hunting Stewart, the uniform of the First Battalion. This was worn until 1977 when new uniforms were bought and the Band adopted the Royal Stewart of Inverness tartan, this in turn being replaced in 1994 by the Band's present tartan "Maclean of Duart".
At the outbreak of the 1939-1945 war many of the Band members joined the first Battalion of the Tyneside Scottish to become the Fifes and Drums of that unit and sad to say, many did not return.
During the Second World War however, there was still a skeleton band which performed in some capacity. The Band then became known in succession as the Walker Naval Yard 9th Battalion Home Guard and the 3rd Cadet Battalion of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers.
The Band has travelled the world performing as far afield as Syria and the USA
as well as Spain, France, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. The Band has been very successful on the contest field, and in recent years finished 3rd in the champion of champions (grade 3), as well as being awarded the North East of England champion of champions(all grades) for 6 years
running. The Band has also won the English championships 5 times.
At the outbreak of the 1939-
The Band has travelled the world performing as far afield as Syria and the USA
as well as Spain, France, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. The Band has been very successful on the contest field, and in recent years finished 3rd in the champion of champions (grade 3), as well as being awarded the North East of England champion of champions(all grades) for 6 years
running. The Band has also won the English championships 5 times.
City of Newcastle Pipers!
Triphlyg is three sisters - Rhiannon (18), Hafwen (15) and Branwen (13) Lewis - playing Celtic and triple harps. They started playing in Junior school, beginning with the classical harp, but soon discovered a passion for the Celtic harp and switched over.
They play and sing mainly traditional welsh and celtic tunes and have played at various events and festivals such as Lowender Peran, Pontardawe Festival, Owain Glyndwr Festival , Pontardawe Arts Centre events and weddings and functions.
We found the girls entertaining an appreciative audience in Cornwall and know you’ll love them!
They play and sing mainly traditional welsh and celtic tunes and have played at various events and festivals such as Lowender Peran, Pontardawe Festival, Owain Glyndwr Festival , Pontardawe Arts Centre events and weddings and functions.
We found the girls entertaining an appreciative audience in Cornwall and know you’ll love them!
The Dai Bach Band, from the Gwent area of South East Wales, has actually
played together for around the last 30 years, but not always under that name.
The core band members are:-
Sue Cleaves, Dave Cox,
Greg & Pat Morgan,
Henry & Lol Lutman
and Greville Hunt.
They have been playing on and off
together since the beginning of time!
played together for around the last 30 years, but not always under that name.
The core band members are:-
Sue Cleaves, Dave Cox,
Greg & Pat Morgan,
Henry & Lol Lutman
and Greville Hunt.
They have been playing on and off
together since the beginning of time!
Triphlyg
Dai Bach Band
Based in West Wales, Annette Davies & Geoff Liles, on accordion & guitar respectively, have been delighting audiences with their engaging arrangements of their own compositions, songs and traditional tunes.
Their music is inspired by their love of Welsh, English, Breton and French traditional music. Geoff was a founder member and singer with 1970’s folk band Silver Birch, while Annette has performed at home and abroad with a variety of Welsh artists, including the late, great singer Siwsann George.
Geoff & Annette’s first CD as a duo, First Light – Y Bore Bach, was released in September 2009 and features both reflective, melodic tunes and lively numbers to get the feet tapping. At Cwlwm Celtaidd they will be joined by Gwilym Hardy, one of Wales’ leading young fiddle players of Welsh traditional music.
Their music is inspired by their love of Welsh, English, Breton and French traditional music. Geoff was a founder member and singer with 1970’s folk band Silver Birch, while Annette has performed at home and abroad with a variety of Welsh artists, including the late, great singer Siwsann George.
Geoff & Annette’s first CD as a duo, First Light – Y Bore Bach, was released in September 2009 and features both reflective, melodic tunes and lively numbers to get the feet tapping. At Cwlwm Celtaidd they will be joined by Gwilym Hardy, one of Wales’ leading young fiddle players of Welsh traditional music.
Cor Merched Cwm Llynfi has been entertaining audiences in Maesteg and beyond for over twenty years. In the last decade alone they have performed at countless venues across South Wales and England, including The Houses of Parliament, undertaken tours to France, Germany and Spain and released their first album “We are One” at Christmas 2006.
The highlight of their year comes at their Annual Concert at Maesteg Town Hall, always performing to a packed house and featuring some truly talented guest artists(including Mabon!) who are always greeted enthusiastically by the choir and audiences alike.
2010 is already shaping up to be one of the choir’s busiest yet! As well as Cwlwm Celtaidd, the ladies are about to embark on their fourth tour in a decade when the return to Spain in October, as well as preparing for another year of local performances around the area of South Wales.
The highlight of their year comes at their Annual Concert at Maesteg Town Hall, always performing to a packed house and featuring some truly talented guest artists(including Mabon!) who are always greeted enthusiastically by the choir and audiences alike.
2010 is already shaping up to be one of the choir’s busiest yet! As well as Cwlwm Celtaidd, the ladies are about to embark on their fourth tour in a decade when the return to Spain in October, as well as preparing for another year of local performances around the area of South Wales.
Cor Merched Cwm Llynfi
The Perree T Dancers are from the Isle
of Man, a small and proud Celtic country
which holds very strong traditions in
music, dance and the Manx Gaelic
language. The dancers will be performing
a selection of both traditional and
contemporary/original Manx dances.
The group formed in 1990 and since
then they have enjoyed travelling to
many festivals throughout the United
Kingdom and Europe. This year Perree
T will be a small team of five dancers.
of Man, a small and proud Celtic country
which holds very strong traditions in
music, dance and the Manx Gaelic
language. The dancers will be performing
a selection of both traditional and
contemporary/original Manx dances.
The group formed in 1990 and since
then they have enjoyed travelling to
many festivals throughout the United
Kingdom and Europe. This year Perree
T will be a small team of five dancers.
Perree T
Young Cornish dance and music group Kekezza have been performing together since 2006. In that time they have won the senior group class in the Cornish dance competitions for three years running and, as well as performing within their home nation, have represented Cornwall internationally, including two visits to the
Interceltic Festival at Lorient.
Their repertoire includes traditional dances, often given a new twist, alongside newly choreographed dances in traditional style, Cornish songs and tunes. The group has recently expanded to include its own musicians (and are overjoyed to have found them) and this festival marks the first outing for the new-look ensemble!
Kekezza is delighted to have been asked to take part in Cwlwm Celtaidd and look forward to a great festival!
Interceltic Festival at Lorient.
Their repertoire includes traditional dances, often given a new twist, alongside newly choreographed dances in traditional style, Cornish songs and tunes. The group has recently expanded to include its own musicians (and are overjoyed to have found them) and this festival marks the first outing for the new-
Kekezza is delighted to have been asked to take part in Cwlwm Celtaidd and look forward to a great festival!
Kekezza
Cwmni Dawns Werin Caerdydd, the official Welsh folk dance team of Cardiff, has been demonstrating and developing the culture Wales for over forty years, entertaining and educating people in Welsh music and dance, organising festivals and acting as ambassadors for Wales and the Welsh culture.
The company has travelled far and wide, to the USA, Japan, Russia, Ukraine and most of the countries of the EU. We have represented Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Wales and the United Kingdom. In the last couple of years we have danced in festivals in Leuven, Belgium, in Asturias in northern Spain, Cork in Eire and Vogelwaarde in the Netherlands.
The team prides itself in showing a living, varied and developing tradition, which we are handing on to our children – many of them are now members of the Company, having returned to us after an interval in college and have brought new members along with them.
As well as folk dancing, we have revived a number of old Welsh customs, such as the “Mari Lwyd” horse’s head tradition, a mummer’s play from the Vale of Glamorgan, Hunting the Wren from Pembrokeshire - and the annual midsummer festival of folk dancing and raising the summer pole, Gŵyl Ifan. This is the largest festival of its kind, attracting hundreds of dancers to Cardiff from all over Wales to parade through the streets of Cardiff and raise the Summer Pole outside City Hall.
The Company has danced for many celebrities and in many prestigious settings. Some years ago the team danced for the Crown Prince of Japan at a festival for Japanese families sponsored by Sony. We were the first Welsh team to dance in the English Folk Dance and Song Society’s annual festival in the Albert Hall to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. Nearer home we have danced in the old “Arms Park” and performed at the Millennium Stadium, the foyer of the Wales Millennium Centre, St David’s Hall and Cardiff International Arena.
As well as performing in conferences and putting on evenings of entertainment, the company has been successful in national competitions on many occasions. Over the years the Company has won a number of prizes in the National Eisteddfod of Wales (seven times including 2008), the Urdd (Youth) Eisteddfod and the Cerdd Dant festival of Welsh singing, which includes dance competitions. In 2002 and 2004 the Company also won the main competition for dancers under 25 in the National Eisteddfod and there was much celebration after winning the main competition in 2008.
The company has travelled far and wide, to the USA, Japan, Russia, Ukraine and most of the countries of the EU. We have represented Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Wales and the United Kingdom. In the last couple of years we have danced in festivals in Leuven, Belgium, in Asturias in northern Spain, Cork in Eire and Vogelwaarde in the Netherlands.
The team prides itself in showing a living, varied and developing tradition, which we are handing on to our children – many of them are now members of the Company, having returned to us after an interval in college and have brought new members along with them.
As well as folk dancing, we have revived a number of old Welsh customs, such as the “Mari Lwyd” horse’s head tradition, a mummer’s play from the Vale of Glamorgan, Hunting the Wren from Pembrokeshire -
The Company has danced for many celebrities and in many prestigious settings. Some years ago the team danced for the Crown Prince of Japan at a festival for Japanese families sponsored by Sony. We were the first Welsh team to dance in the English Folk Dance and Song Society’s annual festival in the Albert Hall to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. Nearer home we have danced in the old “Arms Park” and performed at the Millennium Stadium, the foyer of the Wales Millennium Centre, St David’s Hall and Cardiff International Arena.
As well as performing in conferences and putting on evenings of entertainment, the company has been successful in national competitions on many occasions. Over the years the Company has won a number of prizes in the National Eisteddfod of Wales (seven times including 2008), the Urdd (Youth) Eisteddfod and the Cerdd Dant festival of Welsh singing, which includes dance competitions. In 2002 and 2004 the Company also won the main competition for dancers under 25 in the National Eisteddfod and there was much celebration after winning the main competition in 2008.
The Ballochleam Highland Dancers are a performing Highland Dance group, with there roots in the Gillian Whitelaw school of Highland Dancing.
The group name is derived from a spout ( small waterfall) in the Fintry Hills near Stirling, close to where the dance school is based. Ballochleam dancers are the only Scottish Highland Dance Company to offer such a wide selection of performance entertainment to hire for all occasions at any event worldwide.
With many of the dancers trained in traditional highland, hebridean, national, scottishstep dancing, as well as ballet, jazz and tap dance. The repertoire consists of many traditional dances, and new ones choreographed by the group's principal tutor Gillian Whitelaw.
These new dances are based on traditional steps, but instead of being solo performances,they are composed for large groups, Examples of these include " Carronlea Circle"- a celebration of Falkirk's industrial past, " Celtic Connections", "Tainan Reel" and "Kinnaird to Lorient"- dances composed for some of the festivals of these names. Our Highland Dancers have performed at the highest levels of Highland Dancing Competitions and Highland Games all over Scotland and further a field. Many of the dancers from the Gillian Whitelaw school of highland dance have successfully achieved major championship titles including Scottish, British National, British Open Professional, City of Edinburgh and Dundee Champions. Ballochleam Dancers competed in the World Folklore Competition in Majorca and won second and third place in the children's section of the competition.
Our dancers recently appeared on ITV Ant and Dec Christmas Special( 2005), GMTV New Year Show ( 2007) and most recently for a wedding for the Jeremy Kyle Show (2008) and at the rock star " Sting's" 57th birthday bash ( Oct 2008 ). They have also danced at Lorient's Interceltic Festival.
The group name is derived from a spout ( small waterfall) in the Fintry Hills near Stirling, close to where the dance school is based. Ballochleam dancers are the only Scottish Highland Dance Company to offer such a wide selection of performance entertainment to hire for all occasions at any event worldwide.
With many of the dancers trained in traditional highland, hebridean, national, scottishstep dancing, as well as ballet, jazz and tap dance. The repertoire consists of many traditional dances, and new ones choreographed by the group's principal tutor Gillian Whitelaw.
These new dances are based on traditional steps, but instead of being solo performances,they are composed for large groups, Examples of these include " Carronlea Circle"-
Our dancers recently appeared on ITV Ant and Dec Christmas Special( 2005), GMTV New Year Show ( 2007) and most recently for a wedding for the Jeremy Kyle Show (2008) and at the rock star " Sting's" 57th birthday bash ( Oct 2008 ). They have also danced at Lorient's Interceltic Festival.
The Ballochleam Highland Dancers
Pen-y-Fai is a tiny village situated above the town of Bridgend in South Wales, UK. That is where the team, which now has worldwide contacts, began in 1971 and continues to go from strength to strength. They still practice regularly near Pen-y-Fai and there is a great demand for them to entertain audiences and hold social evenings of dance throughout Wales and beyond. Over the years Dawnswyr Gwerin Pen-y-Fai have travelled to and performed in numerous European countries. The founder members, Mel and Gwynfydd Evans and Anne Hughes still play a leading role in the team’s activities - Mel as dance leader, and following in their footsteps is their daughter Ceri who has been the team Secretary for almost 10 years.
The dancers dress in traditional Welsh costume made from Welsh flannel. On formal occasions the women wear the distinctive traditional tall black hats.
Dawnswyr Gwerin Penyfai are a non-competitive team, but have been invited to dance at many festivals in Great Britain and Europe e.g. The World Folk Dance festival in Munich and Majorca; The Europead Dance Festival in Switzerland and Belgium; The Lorient Interceltic festival - Brittany, Festival Interceltique Aviles - Asturias, Spain, festivals in Larvik - Norway, Pisek in the Czeck Republic, and in Clisson, Guemine and Le Pouliguen in France. Festivals in the UK include Sidmouth, Perranporth, Isle of Man, Pontardawe, Gŵyl Ifan - Cardiff, Cwlwm Celtaidd – Porthcawl, Bridgend Festivals of Wales and many more.
The dancers dress in traditional Welsh costume made from Welsh flannel. On formal occasions the women wear the distinctive traditional tall black hats.
Dawnswyr Gwerin Penyfai are a non-
Dawnsyr Gwerin Penyfai
McCarthy Felton Irish Dancers are an experienced and exciting dance group that has already performed at such prestigious venues as Her Majesty's Theatre and the Palladium in London's West End, as well as at The Royal Albert Hall.
Based in Bidford-on-Avon, near Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, the group was formed by Mary McCarthy-Felton 27 years ago when she left her native Dublin to marry a Shakespeare morris man. Mary had herself learned her skills from the well known dance teacher Rory O’Connor and we are delighted to say that her daughter Meabh is here this weekend taking a break from her Masters in Dance Performance at the University of Limerick. The troupe this weekend will include European and World champions both in solo and group dances.
With the dancers are two wonderful musicians, father and daughter, Vince and Katie Jordan. Both are highly respected, truly gifted musicians. Pat has been the backbone of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann in the Midlands and spends all of his spare time guiding youngsters along the road of traditional music. Katie, having been guided the same way, has just completed a Masters in Irish Music at the University of Limerick and she too has become a mentor to many.
We are sure you will enjoy their performances
Based in Bidford-
With the dancers are two wonderful musicians, father and daughter, Vince and Katie Jordan. Both are highly respected, truly gifted musicians. Pat has been the backbone of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann in the Midlands and spends all of his spare time guiding youngsters along the road of traditional music. Katie, having been guided the same way, has just completed a Masters in Irish Music at the University of Limerick and she too has become a mentor to many.
We are sure you will enjoy their performances
McCarthy Felton Irish Dancers
