The largely rural county of Lincolnshire has its fair share of ancient and not so ancient Customs and Traditions. Ranging from the curious to the downright inexplicable they each represent a rare window on the social lives of those without a voice – the working people of the county. Lincolnshire Customs and Traditions takes the form of a PowerPoint presentation, interspersed with the relevant songs and music. It takes a rambling journey through the year from Plough Monday (6 th January), through the Blood Month to New Year’s day, wherein “Fidlers and others acted lascivious and effeminate parts”. From Hiring Fairs to Harvest Homes, from Haxey’s well-known hood game to the infamous Horncastle Horse Fair and Stamford’s wild Bull-Running through the town, from how the elderly ladies of Donington on Bain celebrated in their church during weddings to how the brave spent St Mark’s Eve, the presentation is lively but respectful, informative yet entertaining.
Lincolnshire Archaeologist and Folk Musician Tom Lane does the presenting with acclaimed local musicians Nigel Creasey and Teri Clarke giving an authentic local voice to the songs.
About your speakers, Tom Lane -During and following a full-time career as an Archaeologist in Lincolnshire, one in which he specialised in Fenland archaeology and ancient salt making, Tom has maintained a strong interest in local folk music. He has been a Folk club organiser (Grantham Folk Club), a broadcaster with folk music programmes on BBC Radio Lincolnshire and, currently LCR FM, a long-time ceilidh band caller with Higgledy Piggledy Band, an organiser of Day of Lincolnshire Folk and Write a Lincolnshire Song, and a solo Singer/Songwriter. With colleagues Nigel & Teri, he also presents ‘Talks with Music’, which combine his interests in history, Folklore and local folk song.
Nigel and Teri – One of the best known and busiest duos on the Lincolnshire folk circuit, Nigel and Teri play a variety of instruments, including guitars, melodeon, percussion and harmonic vocals. Their extensive repertoire includes traditional songs and tunes from across Britain, as well as local songs of their beloved Lincolnshire. They also organise a ceilidh band, playing dance music for varied functions and celebrations. Aside from Folk Clubs and numerous Village Halls, Nigel and Teri have also performed in many historic and prestigious venues around the county, including Lincoln Cathedral and various Castles and other historic properties. With their love of local history, they decided to team up with Tom Lane, to present a varied selection of ‘Talks with Music’, Powerpoint presentations with live music, which include aspects of ancient customs and more recent Lincolnshire history.
Overall, Nigel and Teri have been performing together now for many years – it just seems a natural thing.
Tickets £8 or £5 for Friends Of the Museum Supporters, and include tea and coffee on arrival.
IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE: You will not be issued with a physical ticket i.e. a paper or card ticket will not be posted to you. You will receive an email confirmation of your ticket order, simply show that on your phone or print it off and bring that with you. All event attendees will be checked against our list on arrival.
