Karen Ryan - fiddle
Bróna McVittie - harp/ vocal
Brogan McAuliffe - concertina
Annie Quinn - uilleann pipes/ flute
Katie Quinn - accordion
Pete Quinn - keys
Overview
Performers
Booking Information
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 outside on the Tea Lawn.
Led by Karen Ryan on fiddle and featuring Bróna McVittie on harp / vocals, Brogan McAuliffe on concertina, Annie Quinn on uilleann pipes / flute, and Katie Quinn on accordion, The London Lasses will be accompanied by Pete Quinn on keys for this special outdoor performance.
The London Lasses released their 25th anniversary album, LL25, in 2023. 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 for which they've become known.
The album spans four centuries of Irish music, from ‘Planxty Thomas Burke’ penned by the harper composer 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.”
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.
Performer photos: Grant Burchill Photography
Performers
Booking Information
This performance will take place on the Tea Lawn at the back of Lauderdale House.
If you would like to sit together, please book together, as this allows us to assign each booking a socially distanced space.
Chairs will not be provided so please bring either a picnic blanket or a chair to make yourself comfortable. Audience members with chairs will be seated behind those on the ground to make sure that everyone has a good view. If you are booking as a group, the whole group will need to be on chairs or on blankets, rather than a mixture of the two.
We have a limited number of picnic tables and benches (see map below) available as group tickets – book these early to avoid disappointment.
If you have a disability or any special requirements please get in touch with us so that we can best accommodate you.
We would generally discourage bringing dogs. However if you are bringing a dog, you will need to let us know that you are doing so when booking your tickets, it must be on a lead and well-behaved, and we reserve the right to move you to a different spot if needed to accommodate allergies or phobias.
Weather
The performance will continue regardless of the weather unless unsafe. Please plan for all eventualities and remember to bring a waterproof layer and a warm jumper. We prefer waterproofs to umbrellas because umbrellas can obstruct views. Don’t forget that if you are on a blanket the ground may be wet so make sure you have a blanket with a waterproof side or bring a plastic sheet. There are no refunds for shows cancelled due to the weather (unless it really is King Lear style storms, we will cancel the show and tickets refunded by ELSF. Patrons will be notified as soon as possible).
Food and Drink
The café / bar will be open selling light snacks and drinks before the performance starts and during the interval.
You are also welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy on the Tea Lawn as you watch the performance.
