Folk music has been characterised by an absence of structures that other sectors, such as classical music, theatre, opera or jazz, have. This has made it difficult for the traditional arts to be considered in decisions which may impact how they continue in the future. The European Folk Network (EFN) was born to solve this shortcoming and European Folk Day is a key initiative aligned with this mission. European Folk Day affirms the importance of Europe’s communities and traditions and supports continued resilience and collective action.
To celebrate the second ever European Folk Day on the 23rd of September 2024, we joined forces with cultural organisations Lowender in Cornwall and Culture Vannin in the Isle of Man to offer a selection of tunes and songs from each of our nations’ traditions – all connected to one theme, the sea. Titled Môr | Mooir | Mor (the three words for ‘sea’ in Welsh, Manx and Cornish), this collaboration encourages you to learn something new from our fellow Celtic neighbours – be it a song, a tune, or perhaps a bit of language – and showcase what you’ve learnt with us on social media! Use the hashtag #europeanfolkday and tag Trac Cymru, Lowender & Culture Vannin so we can share your journey online!
Chloe Woolley and Ruth Keggin from Culture Vannin, Jowdy Davey from Lowender and our very own Jordan Price Williams, have teamed up to make this fantastic interceltic project happen. All that’s left to do, is for you to enjoy and get learning! Click here to join the Facebook Event and connect with other fantastic musicians ready for #EFD24
Wales/Cymru
TUNE: “Morgawr” is a tune by Simon Owen, the Welsh title of which means, Sea Monster. Many a sea monster appears in Welsh mythology and folklore, including the infamous reptilian Afanc, giving name to AVANC the Youth Folk Ensemble of Wales developed by Trac Cymru between 2018-2022.
Sheet music: Morgawr
SONG:”Ar Lan y Môr”, by its English translation, has many names including “Down by the Sea”, “On the Seashore”, “Beside The Sea”. It is a descriptive song, that illustrates a colourful and delicate scene upon an unknown, coastal location.
Sheet Music & Lyrics: Ar Lan y Môr
Cornwall/Kernow
TUNE: “Tom Bawcock’s Eve” (pronounced ‘bow’ to rhyme with ‘glow’) is a tune associated with the story of the Mousehole Cat (pronounced ‘Mowzle’) and triumph against adversity in the small fishing village in West Cornwall.
Sheet music: Tom Bawcock’s Eve
More information here
Isle of Mann/Ellan Vannin
TUNE: “Three Little Boats” is one of the most popular jigs from the Isle of Man, and as well as being a session favourite and also a simple Christmas song, it is often used to accompany dances; Ladies’ Jig, Men’s Jig and Dance for Three:
Sheet Music & more: https://manxmusic.com/learn/tunes/three-little-boats/
SONG: “Shiaull Ersooyl” (Sail Away) is a short Manx Gaelic song collected by Mona Douglas in the 1920s and it can be performed in lots of interesting ways:
Sheet music, lyrics and more: https://manxmusic.com/learn/songs/shiaull-ersooyl/
