Colum Sands

Colum Sands has performed in over thirty countries around the world, confirming the universal appeal for the songs and stories with which he observes the minute and often humorous details of life.

A member of the internationally renowned Sands Family from County Down, Colum established his reputation as a songwriter with the release of his first solo album, Unapproved Road in 1981. Songs like Whatever you say, say nothing, and Almost every circumstance were soon in the repertoire of artists from Billy Connolly to Maddy Prior and June Tabor. On his travels around the world he soon discovered that many of his songs had arrived before him, carried by other singers in the folk process and on recordings by fellow performers like Andy Irvine, Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy, Roy Bailey, Mick Hanley, Gerard van Maasakkers, Rosemary Woods, Iain McIntosh and Enda Kenny. Countless other performers have been introduced to the air waves through Colum’s work as a presenter of BBC Radio Ulster’s Folk club programme, he has also broadcast a series of programmes for BBC Radio 2 and his work in radio and studio production earned him the Living Tradition Award for services to Folk and Traditional Music. Colum has recently begun a new radio programme in six parts for RTÉ called "Rootin around". It’s a mix of folk/traditional music and was broadcast on Friday evening’s between 10:05 and 11:25pm.

"...Colum's gift is of breaking down cultural barriers through choice words and eloquent music..." John O’Reagan, Rock ‘n’ Reel

"...a marvellous tongue in cheek sense of humour, Colum Sands is a very talented songwriter with an ear for tuneful melodies and an ability with words which enables him to come up with some wonderful lyrics..." Ivan Martin, Sunday World

"...a wonderful evening of entertainment. A natural witty storyteller, Colum charmed the audience with his lively and evocative melodies, colloquial lyrics and gentle humorous tales of everyday life in the past and present. Not only that, but the man has a wonderful voice and is no mean guitar picker..." Jim Brough, Folk on Tap
 
 
Anthony Toner

It has taken the festival committee four years to get a free date for Anthony to perform in the area. He will be appearing in the O’Briens restaurant on the Sunday evening between 7pm and 9pm. His new CD has just been launched "The Duke of Oklahoma" and has received amazing reviews all over the UK and beyond. Enjoy this one off special performance, the complete band will be there combine this with a superb meal in O’Briens (under new management) will make this one of the special performances of the year in the Roe Valley area. It would be highly advisable to book in advance as this free performance will be 100% full.

Irish News, March 29: "Superbly played, literate and melodic songs"

Songwriter Raul Malo, former Mavericks frontman: "Anthony is a singer/songwriter from Belfast who I had not heard before. He is an immensely talented and nice gentleman. Some of his songs were absolutely beautiful... Some were dark and funny... Good stuff."

Sunday World, Setting the Tone – Interview by Ivan Martin: "No ‘moon in June’ material from this man. He operates outside the box."

Sunday Life - album review: "A little bit country, a little bit pop, a little bit rock’n’roll, all packaged with bags of gentle charm."

Cherrie McIlwaine, February 29: The Late Show, BBC Radio Ulster – Album of the Week: "A very talented songwriter with a velvet smooth voice that you can listen to all day. His songs are well put together and enhanced with a great touch on the guitar... Anthony’s finger picking style is top notch and a credit to how much effort he puts into finding the right sound for his songs"

McLean’s Country – Review for the Eventually album (2002): "Fine singer songwriter… an absolute gem of an album – it’s stunning"
 
 
Richard Gilpin

Richard Gilpin is a singer-songwriter originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, now based in County Donegal in the scenic north west of Ireland. He has been involved in the Irish music scene for many years, performing with various bands both at home and abroad throughout the last 10 years.

2002 saw the release of Richard’s first solo CD entitled Beautiful Mistake. It featured 13 tracks and featured some of the finest musicians in Ireland including Henry McCullough (ex wings, Joe Cocker band etc), Cathal Hayden (Four Men and a Dog), Rosemary Woods, James Delaney and many, many more! The result speaks for itself.

From the Belfast folk festival to the Jerusalem folk club, he has played throughout Europe, he has had various TV and radio appearances in Holland, France, Sweden, Israel and back at home in Ireland on both BBC and RTE networks.

Richard will be appearing in the Cream Restaurant in Limavady’s Market Street between 7pm & 9pm. Bookings for this unique one off event will be essential.

 
 
 
Failte

Formed some 20 years ago, this folk band has played locally and toured extensively, with great success. With a mixture of songs, jigs, reels and tunes it is a combination that is sure to please everyone. They have gone through a transformation of personnel, but always managed to retain the ability to put on a good show. They have just returned from another successful tour of Scotland.

 
 
The Limavady Folk Club (Launch Nite)

The folk club will take place in the Newtoun Bar Limavady. These folk nights have continued to grow in the level of performing artists and the support of local folk lovers. This particular gig will prove to be something special with extra special artists appearing, light refreshments and free prize draws will also be held on the evening, an evening which will prove to be an unforgettable night of local talent.
 
 
Johnny Mulgrew with Fiddlers Elbow
 
This legends in Irish Folk Music will be appearing Friday in the Thatch and early Sunday evening within the Bobs Bar & Bistro venue. Back by popular demand these gigs will leave you demanding more from one of Irelands finest folk musicians. Johnny and the band have over 20 years of experience between them and their music simply gets sweeter with age. Why not make a day of it by experiencing the home cooked food at Bobs before the Gig, a special folk menu will be available for all on the day.
 
 
Life O'Reilly
 
Colin Modrate (bagpipes, whistles, guitar and vocals), Alan Brown (guitar and vocals), Matt Hose (fiddle), Mandy Green (guitar, bodhran and vocals) combine to form the four piece band from SW Scotland, Life O’Reilly. Made up of former ‘Runt O The Litter’ members Life O’Reilly have been performing together since the late nineties. Their musical scope is varied; from traditional Scottish/ Irish folk to modern folk music, they combine the bagpipes, whistles, guitar, vocals and bodhran into fascinating harmonies. Catch this amazing folk act several times over the folk weekend and prepare to be blown away, very worth catching a gig from this band.

 
 
Stout.ie
 
Formed over 16 years ago this Limavady 6 piece continues to perform live in the local clubs and venues throughout the whole of Ireland. Catch the only performance from the band live at Radisson Hotel, Limavady and is set to be something very special.
 
 
Allen School of Irish Dancing
 
The ever famous Irish School of Dancing will perform on the Saturday afternoon on the Market street venue. Formed several years ago their trophy cabinets continue to overflow and their delightful dancers will woo the public to the sounds of Gigs, Reels and various other contemporary dance styles unique to the school. Interested mums and dads looking to take their kids to the school should make themselves known on the day, new members always welcome.
 
 




Market Street 2-4pm
 
This year in the Market Street area you will be treated to a host of free entertainment for all of the family. The live stage will provide various guest artists appearing throughout the day along with an amazing performance from the Scottish Country Dancers from the Burnfoot, The Allen School of Irish Dancing and ever renowned Ceili Dancers from Dungiven. Street performers will be busy painting faces making balloon models and performing various street acts. Back by popular demand will be the huge inflatable slides for all to enjoy. Come down and enjoy what is your festival you wont be disappointed.