21st Century Folk Returns to BBC Radio 2 with Sea-Inspired Songs

Photo Credit: BBC

BBC Radio 2’s acclaimed programme, 21st Century Folk, returns this month with a fresh wave of folk music inspired by tales of the sea.

From Monday, 29 July to Sunday, 4 August, Radio 2 will celebrate the tradition of folk music by spotlighting five new songs, each one telling the story of an individual whose life is deeply connected to the sea.

This year’s edition, in honour of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) 200th anniversary, features five Radio 2 listeners whose stories have been transformed into song by prominent folk artists. The initiative not only continues the tradition of storytelling through folk music but also brings these personal narratives to a wider audience.

Stories Behind the Songs

• Anna Heslop: The first female helm at RNLI Cullercoats, Anna Heslop’s story has been captured in a song titled “Anna,” co-written and performed by Lady Nade and Boo Hewerdine.
• Jeff Allen: A kayaker, yachtsman, and former soldier, Jeff Allen’s journey of finding peace through boat-building and kayaking is the inspiration behind “Flow,” co-written and performed by Cara Dillon and Sam Lakeman.
• Vicky Murphy: Rescued from a flooding cave in Cornwall while eight months pregnant, Vicky Murphy’s dramatic experience is commemorated in “Chapel Porth Beach,” written and performed by Martyn Joseph.
• Emma Neave-Webb: A marine conservationist from Orkney, Emma Neave-Webb’s dedication to saving stranded whales inspired “Pilot Whales,” written and performed by Kris Drever.
• Al Kassim: After being rescued from the sea and becoming an RNLI lifeboat volunteer in London, Al Kassim’s story is told through “Brave Volunteers,” co-written and performed by Seth Lakeman and Fisherman’s Friends.

Exclusive Broadcasts and Performances

Listeners can hear these unique songs and the stories behind them on BBC Sounds from Monday, 29 July and on BBC Radio 2 on Sunday, 4 August from 8-10 pm. Additionally, viewers can watch the performances on BBC iPlayer from 29 July.

The Jeremy Vine Show will feature interviews with the contributors and singer-songwriters throughout the week, playing each song on air. The week will culminate in a special broadcast from the Sidmouth Folk Festival, where Seth Lakeman and Fisherman’s Friends will perform their song live.

Mark Radcliffe’s Folk Show on Wednesday, 31 July from 9-10 pm will also highlight the new songs and feature interviews with the artists. The following week, the show will showcase live performances from the Sidmouth Folk Festival.

The Power of Folk Music

Sam Lakeman, who co-wrote Jeff’s song with Cara Dillon, emphasised the emotional impact of transforming personal stories into music. Cara Dillon echoed this sentiment, highlighting the healing power of music and its ability to convey profound messages.

Lady Nade expressed her honour in immortalising Anna’s journey, while Martyn Joseph reflected on the emotional resonance of Vicky and Marc’s harrowing yet uplifting tale. Seth Lakeman and Fisherman’s Friends shared their experience of writing and performing Al’s story, noting the deep emotional connection it evoked.

Kris Drever, who crafted Emma’s song, found inspiration in her journey from London to Orkney, dedicated to marine conservation.

Celebrating RNLI’s 200th Anniversary

The RNLI, celebrating its bicentennial this year, continues its mission to save lives at sea with volunteers providing a 24-hour search and rescue service. The charity operates 238 lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland and relies on voluntary donations to maintain its vital services. Since its inception in 1824, RNLI crews have saved over 142,700 lives.

This special edition of 21st Century Folk not only honours the RNLI’s legacy but also celebrates the enduring power of folk music to tell the stories of everyday heroes whose lives are intertwined with the sea, including those from Cornwall.