Haste To The Wedding
About the Tune
'Haste To The Wedding' is a popular tune played in several countries. It is often associated with Celtic music, though it may have originated in England or Scotland, rather than Ireland. It has been mentioned in connection with a Thomas Hardy novel.
The tune has been used in various settings, including Contra dances and old-time fiddle music. It was also the theme song for the 1980s television program “The Irish R.M.”, appearing on the album "The Irish RM" in 1982.
The song includes lyrics with the title "Rural Felicity," collected from a songbook in 1790. These lyrics celebrate a wedding with themes of joy, contentment, and friendship.
Several different versions of the tune exist. Cape Breton fiddlers Howie MacDonald and Jerry Holland played similar versions of it, and it’s been performed by artists like The Corrs (though the middle part of their version differs from others). Some versions have also been linked to the story of French Captain François Thurot and the siege of Carrickfergus. In some regions, it has been known by different names such as “The Small Pin Cushion”, “Croagh Patrick”, and “Haste to the West”.
It is sometimes associated with other tunes in sets, which can be performed at different tempos, requiring careful adjustment.
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Disclaimer: Much of this tune background is hard to trace, and some details remain speculative. These summaries draw on trad community discussion and other available sources, and will be updated as better verified information emerges. If you spot an error or have confirmed information to add, please get in touch and I'll update the site.