CQAF 2025

With special guests: Barbara Dickson, Nick Holland, Eilidh Patterson, Ronnie Greer, Brigid O’Neill, Ciaran Lavery, *Ken Haddock, Clive Culbertson and superb house band, MD – Matt McGinn

In the early 2000’s, much-loved and missed BBC presenter Gerry Anderson began to play a song called ‘Sailortown’ on an almost daily rotation. This beautifully simple song quickly found a home in the hearts of Anderson’s audience as each listen brought them on a wonderful journey of love and nostalgia with the backdrop of the Troubles and a thriving music scene.

A love affair had begun between the people of Northern Ireland and prolific songwriter and singer, Anthony Toner.

‘Without Gerry’s support at that early stage,’ says Anthony, ‘I’m honestly not sure if I would ever have been able to create an audience. Certainly not as quickly as I did, with that song.’

Some decades, and over a dozen albums later, Anthony has reached milestones in his career, and now his life…

…Anthony Toner turns 60.

Reflecting on this incredible journey Anthony is incredibly proud of not only his vast body of work but the friends and musical collaborators he has met along the way.

‘As a teenager, I watched bands at work and dreamed of being part of a musical ‘family’… so the relationships I’ve built with so many immensely talented musicians has become a joy to me.’

On this very special evening we will celebrate the work and the relationships with Anthony, an outstanding house band and a vast array of special guests who will enjoy exploring and interpreting the immense Anthony Toner catalogue.

Join us for this special one-off event and celebration like no other.

*Due to scheduling, Ken Haddock will be replaced by Ciara O’Neill on the Saturday 10 May performance

If you have access needs, feel free to email Aoife at aoife@cqaf.com for more info—we’re happy to help!