Music at Stormont
Music at
Stormont
Children, musicians and political representatives finding moments of shared song.
Peace talks & Christmas gathering · 1998–2002Children, musicians and political representatives finding moments of shared song.
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Troubles Archive records two occasions when Tommy brought music into political life at Stormont. One took place during the Good Friday Agreement talks; the other brought Assembly members together for a Christmas musical gathering in December 2002.
During the peace talks
The archive describes an impromptu performance involving Tommy, children and Lambeg drummers during the talks. Its account recalls Seamus Mallon recognising the importance of that musical moment within the peace process.
A Christmas meeting through music
In December 2002, while the Assembly was suspended, Tommy persuaded members to return for a Christmas gathering. The concert was recorded for Country Céilí, his weekly radio programme. The archive records that the broadcast subsequently received a special award at a television and radio festival in New York.