Bio

Northern Celts are a band that has evolved from a wide collection of musicians who started playing together in London in the 1980s. They have been instrumental in keeping the traditional music session alive in London pubs, with material that embraces traditional Irish and Scottish dance tunes, Irish and British traditional and contemporary folk songs, and American folk and country music. The band plays in various pubs and venues that can be found on their website, and welcome musicians who want to come along and join in. The line-up is Les Coughlan, who founded the group over 20 years ago, and who plays the bodhran and harmonica. He is also a skilled maker of drums. Marie McCormack plays the Irish whistle and has collected countless tunes over the years playing in sessions and various bands. Shuggy Fisher plays mandolin and banjo and writes original tunes. Willy Barr is a guitarist and singer, and he also plays a mean banjo, mandolin and harmonica. Emma Scarr plays fiddle with the band and writes songs with a folk and country flavour. Fergy Campbell is a singer and guitarist. The Northern Celts also play for weddings, ceilidhs, parties and other celebrations. Their music is lively, uplifting, sometimes thought-provoking and always evolving as musicians bring new influences and ideas.