Folk on the Pier and Kinder Shores: a weekend of music in Cromer

Fairport Convention, Folk on the Pier 2018

This past weekend was a Cromer full of folk music: from the Kinder Shores concert and CD launch on Thursday, benefitting the Rees Foundation and work with care leavers, through three days of Folk on the Pier, with concerts in the Pavilion Theatre on Cromer Pier, and fringe events throughout the town.

Glen Latouche, Edward II, Folk on the Pier 2018

In true festival style, there was something for everyone: Richard Digance making everyone laugh, stirring céilidhe from The Urban Folk Theory, a jazz-folk twist from the Hopi Hopkins Trio, reggae-folk fusion from Edward II, songs of life from Fraser Nimmo, and such an enjoyable show from Palmerston... and many, many more. So many good shows, and such varied performers.

All-time crowd favourites Fairport Convention sealing the deal, and providing the finale to the festival, on Sunday night.

The Urban Folk Theory, Folk on the Pier, 2018

There were morris dancers too, both Kemp's Men of Norwich out on the pier, and a dancer as part of Ashley Hutching's Morris On on Saturday night. A lovely way to spend a springtime weekend by the seaside.

Kemp's Men of Norwich, Cromer Pier

Known as the "best gig on the North Sea" (it really is ON the North Sea, it's out on the water, on a pier), the festival this year celebrated its 20th birthday, several performers having played the first-ever Folk on the Pier back in 1998, too.

Folk music plays a huge part in British social history; telling stories through song, as protest and as commentary, passing on history from generation to generation. If you are just getting started listening to folk music, check out the repertoire of the artists who performed at Folk on the Pier. It's a great place to begin.

Richard Digance, Kinder Shores Concert and CD launch, Cromer 2018

Folk on the Pier photos, all performers (more will be added here): Folk on the Pier photo gallery
Kinder Shores photo gallery: Kinder Shores 2018 photo gallery
Fairport Convention: Fairport Convention at Folk on the Pier 2018
Edward II: Edward II at Folk on the Pier photo gallery
Urban Folk Theory: Urban Folk Theory at Folk on the Pier
Kemp's Men of Norwich Morris Dancers: Traditional dance, Cotswold Morris side from Norwich photo gallery
Many more photo galleries: Alison Toon Photographer music photos

Keep an eye, and an ear, out for next year's Folk on the Pier: it's never too soon to make plans! And if you haven't already, check out the Kinder Shores CD, for which many musicians donated songs. It's for a very, very good cause.