Rain doesn’t dampen spirits at Folk in the Town

Brollies and waterproofs at the ready at this year’s free music event

It may have rained, at times quite heavily over the weekend, but it didn’t stop people enjoying themselves. “The heavens opened at one point, but we had a hard core audience that supported us through, they sang and danced along in their ponchos,” Sharon Clifton says who performed both days, first with The Fried Pirates and then The Rummuns, “We even had little ones dancing in the puddles.”

The free event is in its seventh year, two days of traditional folk, Americana, folk rock, bluegrass and ‘everything in between’. Nesting doves meant it took place in King’s Staithe Square, “The stage couldn’t be moved to Tuesday Market Place because we couldn’t disturb them. You don’t get the footfall here but the sound does travel all the way to town so hopefully people will hear it and wander down to see what’s happening,” says organiser Adrian Tebbutt.

And they did. Lesley and Philip, in their rain coats and armed with umbrellas, tell me the weather hasn’t put them off, “We’ve come prepared, we think the free live music events in Lynn are just great.” Sue and Mick come every year and like this location, “Yeah, it’s nice this area, no traffic and it’s a bit more intimate. This event is free, it’s accessible, what’s not to love. It’s nice to get up and dance, even with an umbrella!”

Kathleen and Mark have come from Stowe Market, “We’re ready, we have our waterproofs, and we shall see how the days goes. We’ll start with a coffee, then later on some beers, it must bring in money for the town the event as we’ve booked a hotel to enjoy it to the full.”

Artist Kevan Taplin from West of Eden says “It is what is it” when I ask about the weather adding, “I used to teach around here so this is part of my old stomping ground, to quote Van Morrison, so yeah I’ve got a soft spot for the town really.” As has Mary from acoustic duo Joe and Mary, “My family are from King’s Lynn and I was conceived here apparently! I love playing here.”

Between acts the Kings Morris entertain the crowd, and for the first two dances it’s rain free. Louise who’s the accordion player sums up how most of us feel about the downpours, “After all this glorious weather it’s a shame because this is such a lovely event, but you can’t do anything about the weather.”

The Kings Morris performing at Folk in the Town