Cara Dillon - Upon A Winter's Night

Cara Dillon - Upon A Winter’s Night: A Christmas tradition rooted in wonder and reverence

Cara Dillon, whose ethereal voice has long been heralded as one of the finest to emerge from Ireland’s rich folk tradition, is set to embark on her much-loved Christmas tour, Upon A Winter’s Night. Now a cherished annual event, the show has become a seasonal staple for audiences across the UK and Ireland. Cara and her band will once again capture the mystery of Christmas with a collection of songs — both ancient and modern — providing a welcome reminder that the festive season can be about more than just commercialism.

A far cry from Jingle Bells and Santa Baby, Cara will be joined by her exceptional band who weave Celtic rhythms alongside reverent and ancient carols, offering a musical experience that feels intimate, transcendent and deeply reverent. Her voice, carrying a purity that seems to hold the darkness at bay, reminds audiences that Christmas can still be a time of quiet reflection and profound beauty.

As modest and down-to-earth as they come, Cara admits to being taken aback by the runaway success of her Upon A Winter’s Night album, which reached No. 1 on the Indie Album Charts not once, but twice, upon its release in 2016. Now, in 2025, audiences from across the country will once again have the opportunity to witness this moving celebration of the festive season — with some new songs added to the setlist.

For Dillon, Christmas is more than a holiday — it’s a passion. There is another side to Christmas, far away from Bing crooning and Noddy screaming: a space where the story of Jesus' birth is retold with genuine wonder and celebrated with the dignity, passion and beauty it deserves. Dillon invites listeners to a place where ancient traditions are honoured, and the true meaning of the season shines through in every note.

This dedication to authenticity has defined Dillon’s illustrious career, which has seen her explore opportunities to tread many different paths – from releasing folk crossover albums on indie label Rough Trade, working on Disney soundtracks, to collaborations with leading UK dance DJ/producers. Cara has continuously chosen to firmly plant herself within the landscape of her cultural heritage.

Cara occupies a position at the very top of the folk genre. Over a career spanning 30 years, this extraordinary Irish singer has captivated audiences, won numerous awards, and achieved exceptional acclaim. Mojo magazine describes her as having "quite possibly the world's most beautiful female voice." More recently, three of her songs were featured on the hit comedy Derry Girls, and her 2024 release, Coming Home, was shortlisted for Album of the Year at the 2024 NI Music Prize.