“Over the 2 years, I’ve grown from someone who loves singing but doubts their ability into someone
that (with the right songs and support) is happy and confident to share the beauty of amazing songs
with an audience”

Sea Folk Sing Workshop Participant (Gillingham), 2019

Sea Folk Sing was created to combat social isolation and loneliness felt by many people aged over 55.

We did this by improving their connection to others by taking part in creative workshops with local artists and with a diverse range of musicians.

Those who took part in Sea Folk Sing improved their confidence and wellbeing by performing songs and music to the public in venues as varied as The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Gillingham FC’s Priestfield Stadium, a local Working Mens Club, and even a moving train.

The stories that they shared and uncovered that inspired the music composed also gave them pride in their lived experiences and the places where they live – Medway, Swale and across North Kent.

It has also given us many wonderful memories and proud moments which will live with us for a long time.

  • Sea Folk Sing 2018 – Never Again
    Learn how 60+ workshops became the Ivor Novello Award-nominated choral work, Never Again by Kent-based composer Emily Peasgood which was performed on Remembrance Sunday 2018 live on a train and on a Railway Station footbridge for free to hundreds of people.
  • Sea Folk Sing 2019
    Find out more about the songs written with local people and Kent-based musicians, including The Dockyard Rush, and performances in places including Gillingham FC’s Priestfield Stadium and Sheerness East Working Mens Club.
  • Sea Folk Sing 2020
    Discover how we changed in-person Sea Folk Sing workshops into online Zoom sessions and how we made connections and supported people aged 55+ during the first Coronavirus Lockdown.

Credits

For artists and production team credits visit our Sea Folk Sing production team page.

Sea Folk Sing was part of an Ideas Test and SparkedEcho production, exploring North Kent’s maritime and folklore history through singing.

The project was funded by Celebrating Age – a fund from Arts Council England & The Baring Foundation.

It was also funded and supported by Kent County Council, Medway Council, Swale Borough Council, Involving Medway and Optivo.