Event Information

Catrin O’Neill grew up by the sea in Aberdyfi, Southern Snowdonia, surrounded by a wealth of traditional Welsh music and culture. Her Grandmother or Nain, was one of the first to introduce her to the magic of traditional folk songs, often sung in the kitchen beside the warm Aga with a cup of tea in hand. It is her humour and ability to tell a story, transporting the audience to places past and present, that really set her aside from other folk singers. She often plays solo but also as a duo or as part of a three piece incorporating harp, fiddle, bouzouki and whistle. Catrin is also the lead singer of Allan yn y Fan, one of Wales best known traditional folk bands and is a member of the 10 mewn Bws collective. She has toured extensively in the U.K. Ireland and Europe and performs in Welsh and English

Catrin O'Neill grew up by the sea in Aberdyfi, Southern Snowdonia, surrounded by a wealth of traditional Welsh music and culture. Her Grandmother or Nain, was one of the first to introduce her to the magic of folk songs, often sung in the kitchen beside the warm Aga with a cup of tea in hand. "I took my guitar and had five years of travel," she says. "I produced children's cabaret shows in the depths of China and was a chorus line dancer in the Bollywood film industry in India, among other things." Now settled back in Aberdyfi, she is a well known face on the Welsh folk scene, with her first album 'Nain's Kitchen/Cegin Nain' was released in spring 2010. Since returning, her musical explorations have continued but somewhat closer to home. The influence of her Irish ancestry and love of Breton dance and its music can clearly be heard in her performances. However it is in the Welsh music that her true passion lies. "Welsh folk music has been overlooked for so long" says Catrin, "Even well known Celtic musicians not really being aware of its existence. Many people think that our folk music consists of Hymns or male voice choirs, so far from the reality. The true folk music of Wales can be compared to the carefree passion of Irish, or the beauty of Breton music, but with it bringing harmonies and a poetic tradition to rival that of anywhere in the world. I think it would be very mean of us not to share it!" It is her humour and ability to tell a story, transporting the audience to places past and present, that really set her aside from other folk singers. She often plays solo but also as a duo or as part of a three piece incorporating harp, fiddle, bouzouki and whistle. Catrin is also the lead singer of Allan yn y Fan, one of Wales best known traditional folk bands and is a member of the 10 mewn Bws collective and new trio Tirgân. She has toured extensively in the U.K. Ireland and Europe and has provided support for bands such as The Levellers, Save Swarbrick, Seth Lakeman and Three daft monkeys. Past appearances include; - Supporting Dave Swarbrick (Fairport Convention) and Said The Maiden. Colston Hall, BRISTOL BS1 5AR - With 10 Mewn Bws. Hay Festival, Hay on Wye. - Bromyard Folk Festival - The Village pump festival - The Welsh National Eisteddfod - Glastonbury Music Festival, Somerset - The Green Gathering - Shepley folk festival - Tredegar house folk festival - Wickham festival - Live performance on S4C's Wedi 3, Prynhawn da and Heno