25th Irish Folk Nights - Anniversary Event

Description

25 years of Irish Folk Nights Zaisersweiher Friday 16.4.2027 Since 2002, the members of TSV Zaisersweiher have been hosting the legendary Irish Folk Nights. On this anniversary, countless hands will transform the old festival hall into a cozy Irish pub and offer a wide range of international folk and rock music over two days.
Singer/Songwriter Gary Cleghorn from Kelso in Scotland impressed the audience last year with his debut performance in Zaisersweiher. With his guitar playing and his extremely distinctive voice, Gary combines a variety of well-known songs with his own compositions. Many visitors felt as if they had landed right in an Irish pub. Whether heartfelt ballads or energetic classics – the selection of titles Gary has in his repertoire is endless. Those who want to attend both days can look forward to some favorite songs from Runrig and Skipinnish on Saturday.
Seo Linn means "Here We go" and comes from Gaelic.
The Irish band has been active since 2013 and consists of Stiofán Ó Fearail (vocals and guitar), Daithí Ó Ruaidh (vocals, keyboard, and saxophone), Keith Ó Briain (vocals, bass guitar, mandolin, and percussion), and Kevin Shortall (vocals, accordion, and percussion). Their trademark is combining modern titles with traditional songs and bringing their Gaelic mother tongue back into focus.
In 2017, they achieved a breakthrough with their reinterpretation of the protest song Óró 'Sé Do Bheatha Abhaile and the title track Oro, which garnered 6 million YouTube views. Seo Linn has an impressive ability to captivate the audience and ignite the famous spark with their exuberant joy of playing.
"The Sandsacks" have been known for many years as an energetic live band and are among the crowd favorites in Zaisersweiher.
With guitar, violin, mandolin, flute, bagpipes, and drums, they also impress with their outstanding multi-part and powerful singing. Many classic songs from Ireland and Scotland encourage visitors to sing along and participate. The Sandsacks will surely turn any hall into a dancing cauldron.
Of course, Guinness on tap and a whiskey tasting stand from Friends of Angel's Share are part of the event.
The TSV Zaisersweiher team will serve Irish Stew and other delicious snacks. Saturday 17.4.2027, Gary Cleghorn will open Saturday with a colorful mix of classic folk songs combined with some of his own pieces, including legendary titles from Runrig and Skipinnish.
Another favorite for the anniversary event is a well-known band: Dream Catcher from Luxembourg.
Dream Catcher “live in concert” are authentic, unpretentious, and rustic. Their range extends from Irish folk ballads to original singer/songwriting to energetic Raggle Taggle Folk. Their own songs are a bit pop, inspired by a hearty shot from the big bottle of Irish Folk. Sometimes dreamy, melancholic, and sensual, but also full of energy and zest for life. They have been playing great live concerts in Canada, the USA, Europe, Japan, and Singapore for over 25 years.
In Zaisersweiher, they will perform this time with full band – Raggle Taggle Gypsy Folk at its best.
Last Irish Folk Nights guests were asked to name and vote for their preferred headliner for the 25th anniversary festival in 2027. The result was more than clear – the choice fell on Skerryvore.
Lighthouses have been places full of mystique and solitude since time immemorial. They guide sailors to safe harbors or help them navigate dangerous cliffs. An inspiring image for a band that has been sending signals into the world with their extraordinary sound for over 20 years and gains new fans daily.
Skerryvore, named after the lighthouse of the "Isle of Tiree" in western Scotland, has a breathtaking sound as wild and untamed as the island itself. Their energetic Trad Rock with fiddle, accordion, pipes, flutes, whistles, guitar, and bagpipes is like wild spray on the cliffs, while bass, keyboards, and drums add funky accents.
The beauty of the Scottish Highlands is also reflected in their music. The wonderful voice of frontman Alec Dalglish, responsible for most songs, touches deeply.
This mix has earned Skerryvore several awards, including best CD, best singer/songwriter, and three times “Live Act of the Year”. With chart successes in Scotland and England, BBC airplay, a worldwide contract with “Cooking Vinyl”, and the album “Tempus”, which reached the top of the Scottish and British folk album charts in 2023, Skerryvore is among Scotland’s most successful bands today. In December 2024, they played as co-headliners at Glasgow’s largest arena before 14,000 fans. In 2025, they celebrated their 20th anniversary with a legendary show at “Floors Castle” and then went on a world tour.
In Zaisersweiher, they will present their new CD “Beautiful Mistakes” and perform some tracks from it.
A live fireworks display of the highest class. Please secure your tickets early – demand is already enormous. Line-up:
Friday 16.4.2027 Gary Cleghorn (SCO)
Seo Linn (IRL) The Sandsacks (D) Image credit: The Sandsacks copyright
Saturday 17.4.2027 Gary Cleghorn (SCO)
Dream Catcher (LU)
Skerryvore (SCO)
The Led Farmers (IRL)

Highlights

• Anniversary event of the Irish Folk Nights
• Live performances by Gary Cleghorn and Seo Linn
• Mix of folk and rock music

General Information

The 25th Irish Folk Nights will take place on April 16, 2027, in Zaisersweiher. The event features a variety of international artists and transforms the festival hall into an authentic Irish pub.

Location

Schützinger Strasse, 75433 Maulbronn, Germany

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