Cara Dillon

Few singers are as celebrated and revered as Cara Dillon. For three decades, the Co. Derry-born singer has remained a beacon of traditional Irish song, blending extraordinary vocal talent with a deep commitment to her cultural roots. Dillon’s influence on the folk genre is unparalleled, and her accolades—too numerous to list in full—reflect her enduring appeal across generations and borders. Alongside her husband and long-time collaborator, Sam Lakeman, Dillon has successfully steered an eclectic musical path, defying typical pigeonholes. Their enduring partnership has ensured they have remained at the very pinnacle of the folk genre for well over two decades. Fans can expect a rich, acoustic set drawn from Dillon’s extensive discography, including their classic renditions of Black Is The Colour and The Parting Glass, alongside material from her seminal 2024 release, Coming Home—her first album in over six years. This new offering marks a significant chapter in Dillon’s career. Coming Home is a profound exploration of identity and emotion, a love letter to her native Co. Derry. Effortlessly blending spoken word and song to stunning effect, Dillon reflects on the people, landscapes, and traditions that have shaped her life and art. It is a poignant return to the heart of her heritage, delivered with the emotional depth and technical brilliance that have long defined her work. Dillon’s trajectory from prodigy to icon began at just 14, when she won the All-Ireland singing trophy. Her early days saw her performing with renowned groups like Óige, De Dannan, and Equation before signing with hip indie label Rough Trade in 2000 —a rare move for a folk artist. Over the years, she has lent her ethereal voice to a Disney film soundtrack, performed alongside symphony orchestras across the UK and Ireland, and earned the admiration of pop luminaries such as Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, and Sam Smith, who all cite her as an influence. More recently, three of her songs featured on the hit comedy Derry Girls, and Coming Home was shortlisted for “Album of the Year” in the 2024 NI Music Prize. Yet, despite these mainstream forays, it is Dillon’s devotion to traditional Irish folk that has brought her the greatest success. Her best-selling album to date remains a collection of folk standards released on her own label, a testament to the enduring power of her roots. As Mojo magazine once declared, Dillon possesses “quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice.” With Coming Home, she reaffirms her place not just as a singer of songs, but as a storyteller of rare emotional clarity and authenticity—an artist whose voice continues to resonate deeply with those fortunate enough to hear it. www.caradillon.co.uk