The Tumbling Paddies – live at The Big Top, Waterford Winterval Festival 12.12.2024

The Tumbling Paddies kicked off the Live at the Big Top series at Waterford’s Winterval festival in spectacular style on Thursday, December 12th. From the moment they took the stage, the crowd was electric. Combining their roots in All-Ireland Fleadh Champion traditions with an undeniable charisma, they delivered a night of music and energy that warmed the festive crowd on a cold December evening.

True to form, The Tumbling Paddies treated the audience to a setlist packed with fan-favorite covers, including renditions of Streets of New York, Grace, Zombie, and N17. Their ability transition from song to song seamlessly ensured that the crowd never stopped singing and dancing. Adding a festive twist, the band sprinkled in Christmas favorites such as Fairytale of New York and Merry Christmas Everyone, which had the crowd singing along and fully embracing the magical holiday spirit.

This performance marks the first of many Live at the Big Top shows over the next two weeks, featuring an impressive lineup that includes Mick Flannery, Gavin James, and Stereo MCs. If this opening night is anything to go by, music lovers are in for a treat as Winterval continues to showcase some of the best talent on the Irish music scene.

From their humble beginnings to dominating stages like the Big Top, their passion for creating memorable moments shined through on every note. For those who were lucky enough to attend, it was a perfect start to Winterval’s Big Top festivities.

The Tumbling Paddies photos & set-list:

Set-list:
Pretty Girl
Dirty Old Town (Ewan MacColl )
Zombie (The Cranberries)
Merry Christmas Everyone (Shakin’ Stevens)
Grace (Jim McCann)
Instrumental Break (Céilí)
Take It Easy (Eagles)
Rockin’ All Over the World (John Fogerty)
Someone Like You (Adele)
Night On The Town
The Gambler (Don Schlitz)
The Galway Girl (Steve Earle)
Banks Of The Roses
Hand Me Down My Bible (Phil Coulter)
For You
Joyce Country Ceili Band (The Saw Doctors)
Instrumental Break (Polkas)
The Fields of Athenry (The Dubliners)
The Single Life
Don’t Look Back in Anger (Oasis)
Whiskey in the Jar (Irish traditional song)
The Irish Rover (Joseph Crofts)
Friends in Low Places (Dewayne Blackwell / Earl Bud Lee)
N17 (The Saw Doctors cover)
I Uesta Love Her (The Saw Doctors)
Tell Me Ma / Lisdoonvarna / The Divil Is Dead
Fisherman’s Blues (The Waterboys)
Fairytale of New York (The Pogues)
The Way I Am
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Step It Out Mary (The High Kings cover)

Photos & Words – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography