London Folk Magazine and News
Christmas Hooley with the London Lasses!
Internationally-renowned traditional Irish band, The London Lasses, bring the tour celebrating the release of their 25th anniversary album, LL25, back home to London’s Irish Cultural Centre with a special Christmas Hooley event on 22nd December!
Featuring all new material, this family-friendly concert includes both past and present members coming together to celebrate The London Lasses and their musical journey over the past quarter-century and to showcase the powerfully traditional signature sound which they’ve become known for. The album LL25 is also a tribute to the long history of traditional Irish music in London, a rich cultural heritage which the group are extremely proud to be part of. As band leader Karen Ryan, Director of the annual Return to London Town Festival and one of the leading lights of traditional Irish music in London, says: “This album is one that’s very close to my heart. It brings together 16 wonderful musicians and brings back a lifetime’s worth of musical memories and friendships.”
Since first getting together for an informal tour of the United States in 1997, the band have performed at some of the biggest festivals and the venues in the world. This includes the Royal Albert Hall (London) where they played the first ever BBC Proms Céilí, Cambridge Folk Festival, Dublin City Hall, the Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), Philadelphia Irish Festival and Glastonbury.
“There is great life and energy in the music from start to finish and it’s wonderful to see past members joining the current group for this celebratory recording.” Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha, Head of Music, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta
‘A thrilling hour of Irish music from the 18th century up to the present day’ Folk London
The Sessionists formed in 2022 at the Irish Cultural Centre, at the behest of Philip Cashin, and still regularly play there and promote the excellent music lessons available at the Centre.
The London Lasses Christmas Hooley at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith
Plus support from the Sessionists
Friday 22nd December 7.30pm. Tickets: Standard £15 / Under 18´s £8 / Family £35
The London Lasses, LL25 CICD210 (LoLa Records in association with Cló Iar-Chonnacht) is available now as a CD or digital album.
