Songwriter Andy Flannagan (right) makes a new acquaintance during a Lift the Label trip with Tearfund to Bangladesh. Photo: Tearfund
Andy Flannagan is an exiled Irish ex-doctor who spends his time singing, cricketing, politicking and writing (with some emailing thrown in). He has released two albums Advertising the Invisible and Son. Many of Andy’s songs have been used on national BBC TV and radio, and by independent UK TV broadcasters. His most recent audiences have included Gordon Brown at the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth.
He performs and leads worship at festivals such as Greenbelt, New Wine, Spring Harvest and Summer Madness, as well as resourcing others to do the same. His passion for justice is a thread running through many of his songs. He is championing songs that keep our hands in the dirt while our heads are in the clouds.
In 2004 he visited Bangladesh with Tearfund’s Youth Team, where he learnt more about the reality behind the garment industry. It was this trip that inspired one of the songs on his album, Son. The song called Stop challenges our long-term commitment to those who live in poverty.
Andy says, 'I work with many Christian organisations and I can honestly say that there is no organisation I am happier and prouder to work with than Tearfund. Their passion for making “good news” practical, something you can eat and drink - and “speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves” says volumes about their commitment to the poor... and it rubs off on me!'