St Patrick was a Cumbrian. That’s the claim being made in an innovative show by folk band Herdus. Holy Water For Whisky blends storytelling with folk music from northern England and Ireland in a fifty-five minute show that will premiere at the National Trust run Sticklebarn Tavern, in Langdale this Sunday, 17th March – St Patrick’s Day.
Herdus have been gaining a reputation for their fiddle-driven, rock-inspired folk music and have now turned their talents to a performance that will please fans of the Lake District, whisky, Irish mythology and folk music.
Holy Water For Whisky tells the tale of Lanty Slee, a 19th century whisky smuggler, along with the stories of St Patrick and St Bega. For World Heritage Site Storyteller, Steve Wharton, it was the chance discovery of Lanty Slee’s marriage certificate that inspired the show.
“I was researching my own family history in the Ulverston parish records when I found the details for Lancelot Slee’s marriage in 1839. That document quickly dispelled the popular myth that he was of Irish descent and, in turn, made me think about cultural identity. I hope the show communicates these ideas in an entertaining way, with English and Irish folk songs, a pace-egging play and an epic story that sweeps from the 5th to 18th century and draws parallels with our lives today.”
Herdus will be at The Sticklebarn Tavern all weekend with the following performances:
- Sat 16th March 6pm-9pm British and Irish music with Herdus, followed by open music session
- Sun 17th March 3pm Lake District Songs & Stories with Steve Wharton – Kids £3, Adults free
- Sun 17th March 4pm Holy Water For Whisky by Herdus – Adults £5, Kids free
