Alistair Anderson

Alistair Anderson is an internationally recognised exponent of the Northumbrian Music tradition, with his virtuosic concertina playing and influential work on the Northumbrian Pipes. Alistair’s work has taken him all over the world, including several tours of the USA and collaborative projects across Africa and Asia. He has also worked alongside A List musicians including Richard Thompson, Kate Bush, and the Lindsay String Quartet. His performance style is strongly inspired by his compositional works; including Steel Skies, described by The Guardian as “The finest recent original contribution to the tradition of English music.”

As one of few contemporary Northumbrian musicians who were fortunate enough to cultivate a deep relationship with the older Northumbrian players, namely “The Shepherds”; Joe Hutton, Will Atkinson, and Will Taylor, Alistair bridges the generational gap between the older tradition and young, contemporary players. Situated in this unique position, Alistair’s performances are rooted in connection: between players past, present, and future, between musicians on stage, and most importantly, between himself and the audience.
 
Alistair is available in a variety of line-ups, including:
– solo concertina/Northumbrian Pipes
– duo with banjo player Dan Walsh
– duo with renowned Northumbrian Piper, guitarist, and melodeon player, Ian Stephenson
– Alistair Anderson and friends – showcasing a band of A list Northumbrian folk musicians, including the Andy May trio (best suited to ceilidh sets)
– Alistair Anderson in collaboration with Annie Whitehead (by request only)
– Alistair Anderson and the Bradley Creswick String Quartet (featuring ex leader of Royal Northern Sinfonia)

Currently booking

 

 

Festivals

2026 & 2027

Book Alistair

Get in touch with agent Charly Curry Brown on 07900823237 or agency@magneticnortheast.com

Upcoming live dates

2nd March – The Bridge Folk Club – Newcastle
solo

20th March – Morpeth Gathering Fundraiser Concert – Morpeth
solo

15th-17th May – Swaledale Squeeze Concertina Weekend – nr. Richmond, North Yorkshire
solo

25th-28th June – What a Wonderful World Festival – Alnwick

3rd July – Gate to Southwell Festival – Newark
Alistair Anderson and Friends Northumbrian Ceilidh

10th-12th July – Rothbury Traditional Music Festival – Rothbury
Alistair Anderson and Ian Stephenson

7th & 8th August – Saltburn Folk Festival – Saltburn
solo

22nd-28th August – Whitby Folk Week – Whitby
solo

19th September – Durham Folk Festival – Durham
The Alistair Anderson Band – Performing ‘A Lindisfarne Gospel’
(Andy May, Sophy Ball, Emily Stephenson, Rachel Newton, Fiona Beyer, and Alistair Anderson)