Oxford Street hosts impromptu Ishay Ribo after-party

Hundreds of revellers joined an impromptu Israeli dance session in Oxford Street last Sunday night at the conclusion of Ishay Ribo’s first London concert.

The spectacle in one of the world’s best known shopping streets came after more than 2200 people packed into the London Palladium to enjoy the dulcet tones of the celebrated musician,  who is currently on a global tour.

Ribo – whose song Lashuv HaBaytah (Coming Home) has over 40 million hits on YouTube and who recently performed to 1200 people at the Arthur Ashe stadium in New York – had been due to perform in London last Chanukah. But the event was postponed amid a fresh Covid spike. Sunday’s much-anticipated concert attracted fans of all ages and religious affiliations,  with charities offered discounted tickets for supporters.

He said: “To finally be in London – at the famous London Palladium – was a very emotional experience. The whole band had an amazing time, and seeing and hearing the phenomenal energy, passion and love from the audience was just incredible. It was so special. For people to come together in simcha after such a long and difficult time apart was unbelievably moving, and when we all sang together I could really feel the power and global connection of the Jewish people.”

Ribo had established a close bond with Lord Sacks, taking part in a online conversation in words and music around Pesach 2020.