Bumblebees
Ireland

Bumblebees

After years apart, Bumblebees are buzzing back to life for a special 2026 reunion. Featuring Laoise Kelly, Liz Doherty, Mary Shannon, and Colette O’Leary, this much-loved 1990s ensemble returns with the energy, interplay, and spark that made their albums Bumblebees (1997) and Buzzin’ (1999) stand out. Bringing together four highly-distinctive musical voices, Bumblebees’ signature blend of tradition, creativity, and musical chemistry carved out a sound that was both deeply rooted and quietly innovative—driven by Laoise Kelly’s rhythmic harp, the powerful fiddle playing of Liz Doherty, the rich tonal colours of Mary Shannon on banjo and mandolin, and the expressive and textured piano accordion playing of Colette O’Leary. The result was a sound full of lift, colour, and a musical conversation that felt both instinctive and alive—matched in equal measure by the group’s warmth, energy, and unmistakable sense of fun and craic. They made a serious buzz in the 1990s—and now Bumblebees are back for a limited run of 2026 performances and we can’t wait to welcome them back to Celtic Colours for our 30th year.

Festival Performances

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