The Sands Family

About The Sands Family

The Sands Family are more than just a musical group; they are a living, breathing institution of Irish folk music, we are thrilled to welcome them to the Irish Cultural Centre this November

Hailing from the picturesque County Down, siblings Tommy, Ben, Colum, and Anne have spent over five decades serving as global ambassadors for the stories, struggles, and enduring spirit of the island of Ireland. Emerging from the vibrant folk revival of the late 1960s and early 70s, they brought the intimate atmosphere of a “ceili house” kitchen to the world’s greatest stages, from Carnegie Hall to the Moscow Olympic Stadium.

What sets The Sands Family apart is their extraordinary collective DNA of
songwriting and storytelling. Each sibling is a master in their own right. Tommy Sands is widely revered as a social activist and songwriter whose anthem “There Were Roses” is cited as one of the most significant songs to emerge from the Northern Irish Troubles. Colum Sands is a gifted storyteller and broadcaster, known for his wry wit and ability to find the universal in the local. Ben Sands brings a melodic precision and instrumental prowess that anchors their sound, while Anne Sands provides the soulful, soaring vocal depth that ties their intricate harmonies together.

Their repertoire is a masterclass in balance. In a single performance, they can transition seamlessly from foot-stomping traditional jigs and reels to poignant, contemporary ballads that tackle heavy themes of peace and reconciliation. Despite their individual success as solo artists and producers, it is when they reunite as a family that the true magic happens. Their chemistry is effortless, born of a lifetime of shared stages and a deep-rooted respect for the Mourne Mountains landscape that shaped their upbringing.

Over the years, they have bridged cultural divides, using music as a universal language to promote understanding. Whether they are performing in a small village hall or a massive international festival, the Sands Family treats every audience like a guest in their home. They remind us that folk music isn’t a museum piece—it is a conversation. To experience The Sands Family is to witness the heart of Ireland: resilient, poetic, humorous, and profoundly welcoming. They are not just singers of songs; they are the keepers of the flame.

Supported by Special Guest Ava Turnbull

Ava Turnbull is a 15-year-old, third-generation singer-songwriter and performer who is currently finding her voice through live performance. She grew up surrounded by music in her native village of Rostrevor, County Down, Northern Ireland, as part of the renowned Sands family of international folk musicians.

Ava has performed with artists such as Altan, Catherine McGrath, The Sands Family, Na Leanai, Zoe Conway and John Sheahan of The Dubliners. From playing open mic nights and busking in Belfast and Dublin, to performing at local festivals and touring internationally with Na Leanai, Ava has been immersed in a rich musical heritage from an early age.

Whether she’s singing or playing guitar, fiddle, or bodhrán, Ava blends the deep roots of her family’s folk tradition with the fresh energy of her own musical influences — including Gracie Abrams, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Bob Dylan, Catherine McGrath, and Joan Baez.