SINGING and dancing went on until midnight during a celebration of the life of Keighley folk legend Maggie Boyle.

There was standing room only at Victoria Hall for two gatherings organised following the death earlier this month from cancer of the popular singer and musician.

More than 450 people crammed into the Keighley hall for the memorial service and the nine-hour celebration that followed.

Family members – who include several professional folk performers – were joined by dozens of other musicians for a non-stop “session” on the stage.

There were also impromptu performances in other parts of the hall, including Celtic music and dancing in the bar to reflect Maggie’s Irish heritage.

Many relatives from both Ireland and the London-Irish community, where 57-year-old Maggie grew up, travelled to Keighley for Monday’s gatherings.

They were joined by hundreds of people whom Maggie had worked with during her lifelong career performing at folk clubs and festivals across the UK.

Among those taking to the stage were Maggie’s former husband, renowned singer-songwriter Steve Tilston, their children Joe Tilston and Molly Jones, and Maggie’s step-daughter, BBC Folk Award-nominated Martha Tilston.

Molly described the memorial service as “beautiful”, with Maggie’s favourite songs performed by her family and close collaborators, and spoken tributes from other loved ones, including partner, Bill.

Molly said: “We knew everyone in the room – it felt like extended family. I’ve known many of them all my life.

“The memorial was focused on my mother’s musical life and her personality. Everyone in the room felt like they were her best friend; she made people feel loved.”

Organisers, who included members of Keighley’s long-running Baccapipes Folk Club, where Maggie was a regular, decorated the hall and laid on food.

Molly added: “We just want to thank everyone for making the day so memorable.”

Jude Rawlins, of the Lene Lovich Band, said: “Maggie Boyle embodied the finest aspects of the English creative tradition.

“With her talent, she could have been a superstar, but her heart was far too big for such a small thing. Her spirit and integrity shines through all of her work, and all of us lifer musicians are enriched by her example.”

lMaggie Boyle’s life and career – see page 2 of The Ticket.