Sheelanagig ( pronounced ‘Sheela-na-gig) are celebrating 20 Years of Folk Sorcery with a New Album – St Congar’s Walking Stick
2025 marks twenty years of foot-stomping, roof-raising, high-energy live folk from Sheelanagig, a renowned band whose infectious energy and musical mastery have earned them legions of fans across the globe.
With their arsenal of strings, soaring flute, pounding drums and a dash of fairy dust, Sheelanagig have been captivating audiences with their inimitable blend of folk music for two decades. Their exhilarating live shows are a whirlwind of raucous dance medleys and thoughtfully crafted original compositions that brim with fire, flair, and finesse. Floors tremble, windows rattle and the ground quakes in their presence as they create a truly immersive experience, bringing crowds to their feet time and time again. Whether they are headlining grand festival stages, busking in narrow cobbled streets or enchanting crowds in more intimate venues, one thing is for certain: Sheelanagig are not to be missed.
Drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of European folk traditions – spanning from medieval melodies to modern grooves, from baroque intricacies to folk-rock energy –Sheelanagig’s music is a vibrant, irresistible alchemy. Their approach is one of constant evolution and innovation, while maintaining a deeply felt connection to the roots of folk music. The band’s performances combine an infectious energy with mischievous
stagecraft, and their impeccable musicianship ensures that every song resonates, leaving a lasting impression wherever they play.
Now, in 2025, Sheelanagig are set to celebrate their milestone twentieth anniversary with the release of St Congar’s Walking Stick, a bold and exciting new chapter in their epic journey.
The album embraces a more folk-rock flavour, while staying true to the band’s signature sound; blending break-neck bangers with thoughtful takes on traditional tunes, all woven together with their unique twists and turns. Produced by the band’s own guitarist Alex Garden (The Drystones, Tarren), St Congar’s Walking Stick explores new musical realms while remaining anchored in the band’s heritage.
Listeners will immediately feel the pulse of the band’s extensive experience, interwoven with a thrilling sense of discovery. St Congar’s Walking Stick is the next chapter in a journey that’s taken Sheelanagig around the world, captivating audiences with their dynamic sound and infectious presence. With this release, the band continues to forge their own path in the UK folk scene, mixing time-honoured traditions with contemporary
twists and bold new flavours.
Sheelanagig have always been known for their raucous energy, tuneful trickery, and inimitable sound, and St Congar’s Walking Stick is the perfect embodiment of these qualities. The album promises to be a thrilling ride for both long-time fans and newcomers alike, and with a full 20 year anniversary tour on the horizon in November, the band is primed and ready to bring their new tunes to stages far and wide.
Track Highlights:
Poncho Pounce (below) kicks off the album with an infectious pair of tunes penned by guitarist Alex Garden, setting the tone for the album’s infectious, foot-stomping energy.
Shivering Betty brings a nod to Sheelanagig’s Balkan-influenced music from previous albums. Composed by Ford Collier (The Drystones, Mishra), this tune continues the band’s exploration of Eastern European rhythms and melodies, contributing a fiery, danceable whirlwind of flute & fiddle led revelry.
St Congar’s Walking Stick – the title track – is a reworking of medieval tunes, bringing Sheelanagig back to their roots with a medley that captures the timeless essence of music from the middle-ages, skilfully blended with their signature high-energy style.
Divin’t Gan Radge introduces the distinct voice of Luke Phillips, the band’s new flute player since their previous album. A nod to his Geordie roots, this track infuses a fresh, vibrant sound and celebrates the band’s new influences from the
North East of England.
Petticoat Wag showcases an arrangement of Playford tunes and a traditional waltz from Norway, carefully reimagined by Alex Garden and featuring, for the first time, their fiddle duetting alongside Aaron Catlow. The track brings a refreshing new take on traditional English and Scandinavian folk, with Sheelanagig’s signature flair and irreverence.
“What a joy… a good night out guaranteed.” – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2
Festival appearances confirmed so far are:
For all other information and ticket links please visit: https://sheelanagig.co.uk/
