The annual Song Competition is being re-launched in 2021 as a grassroots initiative and will be known as Write a Lincolnshire Song for 2021.

Meet the Team: Tom Lane, Mary White, Daffyd Robinson, Dave Start, Kate Mitchell

We are an enthusiastic and committed group with a special interest in the folk music of Lincolnshire and beyond. Mary is one of the organisers of Grimsby Folk Club, where Dave is one of the MCs. Tom has broadcast BBC Lincolnshire's folk show for many years. Tom, Mary, Dave and Daffyd are well known in local folk singing, music and ceilidh circles.

Tom and Dave set up the ‘Write a Lincolnshire Folk Song Contest’ in 1992 and had strong links with BBC Radio Lincolnshire who initially recorded the Finals Night, and later, broadcast Finals night with a three hour live show.

To date, the contest has resulted in hundreds of new songs being written about the county and has helped stimulate song-writing county-wide. Given the success of the event over the years, we, the originators of the competition, feel that we should not let this popular event fall by the wayside, especially in these challenging times where many people need a creative stimulus. Having been involved for almost 30 years we feel the event is stronger and more popular than ever and that, given this popularity and demand, we should ensure that it continues to give an outlet to songwriters old and new. One of the key outcomes of the songwriting is the retelling of stories and legends of the county, ensuring the heritage and culture of the county live on and that new generations learn about our past.

While we, the organisers, are not paid for the work in organising this competition, events such as this need funding to be able to run. Costs include website design and hosting, advertising materials, insurance, theatre hire for Final’s Night plus, on the night, PA, lighting, staffing, video recording and prizes.

Which is why we are appealing to you, singers, songwriters, musicians, and audience members; the folk who share our passion for Lincolnshire and for song. Please dip into your pocket to help us raise the funds to run the competition and organise a performance and prizes. If we don't raise enough, we will refund the money. If we raise too much, it will help to fund the 2022 event. Thank you from all of us.

You can keep in touch with us through our Facebook page