MUSIC will flow on Monday as friends and fellow performers gather in Keighley in honour of well-known folk artist Maggie Boyle, who died last Thursday.

Well-wishers are being urged to take along “instruments and memories” for a celebration of Maggie’s life in Victoria Hall.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the ceremony for Maggie, 57, an internationally-renowned singer and musician who had been fighting cancer for the past year.

Maggie was this week described as a “beautiful songbird” by daughter, Molly Jones, who like Maggie’s son, Joe Tilston, and stepdaughter, Martha Tilston, is a professional musician.

Maggie was brought up in a vibrant musical family in London during the 1960s and 70s, and performed with then husband Steve Tilston in the 80s.

As well as recording highly-acclaimed albums, Maggie has collaborated with leading artists, such as The Chieftains, Incantation, Fairport Convention and Bert Jansch, and performed in line-ups, most significantly as a duo with Paul Downes and with Keighley-based female trio Grace Notes.

She also contributed to film soundtracks, such as Patriot Games and Legends Of The Fall.

Long-time friend and musical collaborator, Fay Hield, said Maggie had made a significant impact on the folk scene.

She added: “Revered for her ability to enchant a room with her ethereal voice, this captivating quality penetrated Maggie’s very being.”

Fay said throughout their career, Maggie was dedicated to supporting younger singers, developing the folk tradition.

She added: “After touring the country constantly for the past three decades, Maggie is well known to many throughout the folk scene.

“Those who met her were greeted with an open warmth and generosity of spirit they haven’t forgotten.”

Maggie’s daughter, Molly, said her mother had raised her and Joe with kindness, love and creativity.

She added: “Our home was often filled with friends, musicians and wonderful souls. She surrounded me and my brother with loving, inspirational people.

“My daughter, Betty-Sue, aged three, said “maybe Nanna Maggie is singing in the clouds”. We believe she is – our beautiful songbird has flown.”

Joe added: “My mother lit up everyone’s life, graced the stage without ego and made the world a better place.”

Maggie is survived by her partner, Bill, children Molly and Joe, and three-year-old granddaughter Betty Sue.

Her funeral will be on Monday. There will be a memorial service at noon and a celebration of her life from 2pm, both at Victoria Hall in Keighley. All are welcome to attend.

lDo you have fond memories of Maggie Boyle? If so, send them via e-mail to richard.parker@keighleynews.co.uk or write to the Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 3AG.