It is with great pleasure that we welcome back the Shebeen Irish Band to this year's season of countryside events - just one of our billed musical entertainment acts that promises to liven up the proceedings. Performing their musical interpretations of some of the finest songs and ballads to come out of Ireland, the Shebeen Irish Band will entertain young and old and get things going in their own lively and unique way.

Established in 1989, the Hampshire-based band was formed under the guidance of Roy Torrens at Worthy Down near Winchester, and with several band member changes over the years, the group have been lucky enough to have played with some of the countries finest musicians. Affectionately referring to themselves as the 'Hampshire Dubliners', Shebeen brings the wonderful sounds of Ireland to an array of UK acts and performances. Playing regularly at festivals, parties, corporate events as well as pubs and clubs, the band blend their collection of Irish songs and jigs with traditional Ceilidh instrumentals.

Made up of four principle members, today's Shebeen is Roy Torrens, Roger Cole, Gerry Woods and Richard Barker, not to mention several other musicians who also play regularly with them. Having performed alongside bands such as The Merseybeats, Herman's Hermits, The Bay City Rollers, The Wurzels, Breabach and Frances premier Celtic rockers, Soldat Louis, Shebeen have also featured on prime-time television too.

Interestingly, today's definition of the word 'Shebeen' is referred to the place in which alcoholic drink is sold illegally, yet its 18th century derivation is from the Irish Gaelic 'síbín' which means beer of poor quality!

To find out more about the Shebeen Irish Band, you can see them live at our collection of 2011 countryside events, or visit their website which also details information about the band, their gigs and any upcoming performances: http://www.shebeen.biz/