Alistair Anderson is an internationally recognised exponent of the Northumbrian Music tradition, with his virtuosic concertina playing and influential work on the Northumbrian Pipes.

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Alistair will be calling dances from both sides of the Border at the Firday night ceilidh - "we spent so long stealing each other's cattle that we pinch dances from all over as long as they are a lot of fun". There will also be listening spots to let you catch your breath - expect to hear the haunting sound of the Northumbrian Pipes

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Alistair’s work has taken him all over the world, including several tours of the USA and collaborative projects across Africa and Asia. He has also worked alongside A List musicians including Richard Thompson, Kate Bush, and the Lindsay String Quartet. His performance style is strongly inspired by his compositional works; including Steel Skies, described by The Guardian as “The finest recent original contribution to the tradition of English music."

As one of few contemporary Northumbrian musicians who were fortunate enough to cultivate a deep relationship with the older Northumbrian players, namely 'The Shepherds'; Joe Hutton, Will Atkinson, and Will Taylor, Alistair bridges the generational gap between the older tradition and young, contemporary players. Situated in this unique position, Alistair’s performances are rooted in connection: between players past, present, and future, between musicians on stage, and most importantly, between himself and the audience.

In 2025, Alistair was commissioned by Durham Folk Festival to extend his renowned composition, “A Lindisfarne Gospel”, to premier at Durham Cathedral in September 2026.