An evening of Felix Burns music in Carlisle
Recently it was a great pleasure to visit Carlisle for an evening of Felix Burns music at the Carlisle Accordion and Fiddle Club. Organised in collaboration with the Cumbria Museum of Military Life, we were treated to several tunes created by the prolific composer, bandleader, and musician. They kindly invited me to give a talk, and I even managed to sell a book or two.
Photo: © Jules Wooding, 2025
Club members Julie, Jean, John and Alan performed sets that included pieces that have remained popular among folk musicians since the days they were composed. Among the pieces were The Flappers, Shufflin’ Samuel, Old St Paul’s, The Marlborough March and Hornpipes; The Great Harry and Lighterman Jim. Other pieces were the Queen Mary Waltz, Woodland Flowers and The Dancing Dustman, which enjoyed a revival in the 1950s when they were recorded by Jimmy Shand.
Photo: © Jules Wooding, 2025
It was also great to meet Damian Howard, the great-great-grandson of Felix Burns. Demonstrating the musical talent that runs in the family, he serves as organist and choir director at Lancaster Cathedral and took time out from his busy Easter schedule at the Cathedral to attend.
Thanks are due to George McGarr and Jules Wooding from the museum for their part in the organisation of the event.
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