The Music of Healing & Creative Arts Award
Thursday 16th July 2026 | 8:00pm | An Cuan, Rostrevor
The Music of Healing is one of the most unique and treasured events at the heart of the Fiddlers Green Festival. Inspired by the song written by Tommy Sands and the late Pete Seeger, this special evening has become a powerful celebration of music, understanding, community, and reconciliation.
Hosted by Tommy Sands alongside a gathering of singers, musicians, and special guests, The Music of Healing creates a space where song and conversation help build bridges between people of different traditions, beliefs, and backgrounds. For more than thirty years, this remarkable event has quietly welcomed voices from many walks of life, often maintaining the long-standing tradition of privacy surrounding invited guests until the evening itself unfolds.
This year’s event also includes the presentation of the prestigious Fiddlers Green Festival Creative Arts Award, honouring individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the arts, culture, and community life in Ireland and beyond. Previous recipients include Pat Jennings, Archie Fisher, Peggy Seeger, Liam Ó MaonlaÃ, Pete Seeger, Ralph McTell, and Seamus Heaney.
Set within the intimate surroundings of An Cuan, audiences can expect an evening of reflection, warmth, music, storytelling, and inspiration that continues to stand as one of the defining experiences of the Fiddlers Green Festival.
Previous recipients of the Creative Arts Award
2025 – Pat Jennings
2024 – Linda Ervine
2023 – Archie Fisher
2022 – Iarla Ó Lionaird
2019 – Peggy Seeger
2018 – Pádraigin Nà Uallacháin
2017 – Shay Healy
2016 – Mickey McConnell
2015 – Quiet Meadow Makers
2014 – Martin Lynch
2013 – Bill Whelan
2012 – John Sheehan
2011 – Liam Ó MaonlaÃ
2010 – Tom Paxton
2000 – Siubhan Ó Duibhain
2008 – Pete Seeger
2007 – Steve Cooney
2006 – Ralph McTell
2005 – Micheál Ó Suilleabhain
2004 – Tom Newman
2003 – Liam Clancy
2002 – Tony McCauley
2001 – John B Vallely
2000 – Seamus Heaney