Nearly 50 singers open festival in Yorkshire coastal town

The performance on Friday evening (August 7) opened the Saltburn Folk Festival.

Saltburn Sirens performed a series of folk and classic pop and rock songs alongside the other performers at the Saltburn-by-the-Sea viewpoint.

The inclusive choir is led by Mimi O’Malley, who runs Saltburn School of Music, and is also a director of the festival.

“Folk music, and music in general, has been part of my family history for as long as I can remember,” Mimi said. “I grew up going to folk festivals and volunteering with my family, and I have performed at Saltburn Folk Festival over the years.  

“It feels really special to come back in a different role, bringing a wonderful group of local singers into the festival and having the opportunity to perform at such an iconic location. It felt like a proud celebration of Saltburn and everything our brilliant group has accomplished.”

There will be a range of free events across the weekend, including “singarounds” through the town, pop-up dancing and puppetry.

Elinor Creaby-Attwood, Saltburn Folk festival’s artistic director, said the events are “community led and open to all”.

“Folk is about storytelling, and it encompasses the tales we tell, the characters we create, the things we make, and the traditions passed between the generations,” Elinor said.

For more information, visit www.saltburnfolkfestival.com/family-festival