Irish folk bands re-record ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ in aid of charity

Co Tyrone bands All Folk’d Up and The Whistlin’ Donkeys, Co Fermanagh’s The Tumbling Paddies alongside Co Offlay group Ruaile Buaile have joined forces to re-record the classic song which was initially organised by Sir Bob Geldof in aid of the famine in Africa.

Their version of the iconic song, which originally featured vocals from superstars including George Michael, Bono, Sting and Boy George, will be an Irish traditional version and is being released in aid of the hunger charity Concern.

Folk Aid - official video

A global charity, Concern Worldwide aims at stopping world hunger and poverty with their specialist teams working with 25 million people living on less than £2 a day, from war zones in Syria and Somalia to Bangladesh.

The song was recorded earlier this month in Slane, and featured all members decked out in Christmas attire; with the multi-instrumentalists singing and playing along with fiddles, whistles, accordion, and banjos.

The song leads with vocals from Fergal McAloon (Whistlin’ Donkeys), Gareth Maguire (The Tumbling Paddies), Shane Lynam (Ruaile Buaile) and Pauric Mohan (All Folk’d Up).

Pauric Mohan explained he came up with the idea during a session the bands had following a summer festival they were all playing.

“We all started talking about Christmas and each band’s plans for the festive season and one of the lads in the group started playing Jingle Bells on the whistle and suddenly everyone, like all good sessions, joined in.”

Pauric continued: “At that moment, one of the festival crew couldn’t resist shouting: ‘Do you know it’s July, not Christmas?’

“Little did they know that comment would become the catalyst for recording this timeless classic.

“With the unwavering support of our 20 talented musicians, we decided to come together in November to record both the session and the song. If we all felt the magic, we pledged to share it with the world.”

Sadly, due to all the performers’ busy schedules heading into the festive season, no live performance of the track is currently scheduled. However it is available to purchase and stream now, with a music video on the way.

Their link-up comes ahead of a packed scheduled for all the groups next year, with The Whistlin’ Donkeys, The Tumbling Paddies, and All Folk’d Up all set to take part in next year’s Farmers’ Bash line-up.

The concert event returns as part of the Belsonic line-up next summer, having not taken place since 2021, with a new location in Ormeau Park and what the organisers have said will be a “celebration of country and traditional music”.

All Folk’d Up have also just released a new album, ‘Barry’ which is dedicated to their former member Barry Mohan who died last year aged 28 following a road traffic collision in Co Armagh.