Clannad with Mary Black at Eastbourne

Susan's long held dream of seeing Clannad live was fulfilled tonight as we went to their concert at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne. The tickets were booked last June and we must have been amongst the first to book as when we arrived we were in the middle of the front row! What a place to be.

The concert kicked off with Mary Black who is an international Irish music star in her own right, accompanied by her exceptionally talented band, setting the scene for what was to come.

Clannad didn't disappoint. They sang songs from their new album, Nadur, as well as the well known pieces including the sound track from Last of the Mohicans, Robin of Sherwood and Harry's Game.

For the encore Mary Black and her band joined Clannad on stage as this shot shows and played together giving some of the most magical moments we've experienced at concerts. Up there with Runrig in Guildford in 2012. (Runrig are next up in Portsmouth in April).

In case you didn't know it, Clannad came to prominence in the late 1970s, rising to be one of Ireland's greatest bands. The group consists of 3 Brennan children of whom Moya is the best known and twin uncles of the family. Their talent is extraordinary and humbling to watch. The whole band and Mary Black came out into the foyer at the end of the concert to mingle and meet people and sign the stuff we'd bought. I photographed Susan talking to Moya. Susan said the whole evening exceeded her highest expectations.

To cap it all we were staying at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, not 5 minutes away from the concert hall. It wa 24 hours of unashamed luxury. Met at the door, luggage taken to your room, car parked for you. Bed turned down, great lounge, super soft bed, looking forward to an elegant breakfast. What a lovely experience. And some walking tomorrow.