European Folk Day
European Folk Day is the milestone for everyone in the world of folk music to show that we can come together and that we are an essential part of Europe’s rich cultural spectrum. 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.
Join us for European Folk Day as we highlight the value of the traditional arts, whoever you are and wherever you are.
EFD 2025
This is a small collection of songs, tunes and stories from a few of our tradition bearers, commissioned by Welsh Government to show the breadth of our traditions in Cymru. You can find the first 2 videos from this series and the full collection on Youtube below. We also created a Spotify playlist of Welsh Folk Music featuring songs and tunes put together by our featured artists. Hit the button to start listening!
EFD 2024
In 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. 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 hashtags #europeanfolkday #efd and tag us 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!
Cymru/Wales
“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. Click here for the sheet music.
“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. Click here for the sheet music & lyrics.
Ellan Vannin/Isle of Mann
“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. Click here for sheet music, lyrics & more information.
“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. Click here for sheet music & more information.