The Fiddler of London – a tribute to the late Justin Whelehan, is a prestigious title that will be awarded to an outstanding musician.

What does the Fiddler of London 2024 winner receive?

The prestigious title of Fiddler of London 2024. In addition they will be bestowed with the title “The Fiddler of Residence for the Irish Community,” which they will hold for a period of twelve months.

The title recognises the Fiddler of London’s exceptional achievement, elevating their position and stature.

High-profile performance opportunities include the Belfast Tradfest Summer Festival, the Ballyshannon Folk Festival, Fiddler of Oriel and All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil. The winning Fiddler of London will need to be available. Performance dates will be confirmed nearer the events.

The winner will be presented with The Bronze Sculptured Perpetual Award called “The Children of Lir” designed by Genesis fine arts bronze works.

What does the Up and Coming Fiddler of London 2024 receive?

The prestigious title of Up and Coming Fiddler of London 2024, as well as an invitation to perform at the Fiddler of London Festival 2024, which will take place on April 5th-7th at The London Irish Centre. They will also receive their award at the awards ceremony. Travel subsidy will be provided. Other performance opportunities will be available at high-profile events throughout the following year.

To further their development and education the Up and Coming Fiddler will also receive a full bursary to attend the Belfast Tradfest Summer School 2024 with accommodation provided.

All Finalists will be invited to the Fiddler of London Festival where they will take part in the Live Gala Final 2024, on the weekend of the festival 5th-7th April 2024 in London, where they will compete in the final round. Travel subsidy will be provided.

History

Irish traditional music has been played in London since the 1940’s. At that time a large influx of Irish men emigrated from Ireland to work on construction sites, rebuilding much of London after the war. They lived in cramped hostels, digs and rooms with no space so they found and colonised a few backstreet pubs in North London and began to meet and play their music together. The first known pubs were The Devonshire Arms, Kentish Town, The Black Cap, Camden Town and The Favourite in Holloway. This is when the first pub sessions began which we still know and enjoy. Some of the finest fiddle players played traditional music in these pubs namely Bobby Casey, Jimmy Power, Sean O’Shea, Bryan Rooney, Brendan Mulkere, Jimmy Power, Danny Meehan, Fergus McTaggart, and Lucy Farr. These fiddle masters developed the now vibrant and exciting traditional fiddle music we have in London today. The Fiddler of London competition will commemorate and honour the outstanding contributions they made.

There was a previous Fiddler of London competition at Hammersmith Town Hall (late 1970’s) that as a young child Eilish Byrne attended with her parents. Eilish recalls the Judge being the famous fiddle player, Sean Maguire. This made a lasting impression and inspired her to go on and win five All -Ireland titles. The Fiddler of London will likewise encourage many young musicians from far and wide to take part. Also giving fiddle players a competition of their own to celebrate their achievements and showcase their talent to the world.

The Fiddler of London was also revived by Alan O’Leary in London hosted at Battersea Arts Centre during the years of 1984-1988.

Images Courtesy of  Battersea Arts Centre Digital Archive