St. Brigid’s Day Celebration with The London Lasses + Support from Mná

“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 brilliant bit of music. If you love traditional music with strong vision, give this one a close listen – it’ll be time very well spent.” Daniel Neely, The Irish Echo (New York)

“An exciting new album and a valued addition to London’s long history of Irish music’ Alex Monaghan, Irish Music Magazine

The London Lasses released their 25th anniversary album (their sixth album to date), ‘LL25’ at the end of 2023 to much critical acclaim. Featuring all new material and including both past and present band members, the recording celebrates the band’s musical journey over the past quarter-century and showcases the powerfully traditional signature sound which they’ve become known for.

The album spans four centuries of Irish music, from ‘Planxty Thomas Burke’ penned by the harpercomposer Carolan (1670-1738) to newly composed tunes by concertina player Edel Fox, flute player Tommy Fitzharris and harper Michael Rooney. Captivatingly sung by vocalist Bróna McVittie, the album’s four songs include the beautiful ‘Bánchnoic Éireann Ó (The Fair Hills of Ireland)’, a song in praise of Ireland dating from the 1700s. LL25 is also a celebration of both the close-knit group of musicians who have been part of the Lasses’ story so far, and the long history of traditional Irish music in London, a rich cultural heritage which they 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.”

LL25 album launch activities have included performances at the Liverpool Irish Festival, Return to London Town and Fiddler’s Green (Rostrevor, Co. Down) Festivals, An Taibhdhearc (Ireland’s National Language Theatre, Galway), The Dock (Carrick on Shannon, Letirim), Matt Molloy’s (Westport) and more. Bandleader, Karen Ryan was interviewed on RTÉ Radio 1’s Rolling Wave programme about the band’s story so far and a band performance at the Bradford Playhouse featured on an episode of ‘Irish in UK TV’.

Since first getting together for an informal tour of the US in 1997, The London Lasses have performed at some of the biggest festivals and venues in the world including the Royal Albert Hall in London, where they played the first ever BBC Proms céilí, Cambridge Folk Festival, Dublin City Hall, the Concertgebouw, Philadelphia Irish Festival and Glastonbury. From mellifluous vocals to lively instrumentals, The London Lasses invite you to join them on this special musical journey and experience the beauty and richness of traditional Irish music.

With Support from Mná featuring Tara Viscardi, Jess Collins, Phoebe Harty and Tara McCarthy.