Trust set up for festival founder

Alan Surtees died earlier this summer after battling with cancer.

Now Hannah James, frontwoman of Lady Maisery, JogDoll and Coven, who will be appearing at this weekend's festival, was moved to continue his legacy supporting young and emerging musicians.

With the backing of his widow Sandra and the festival team, she has set up the Alan Surtees Trust to raise funds to support young and emerging musicians in his memory.

Thanks to the goodwill of a number of musicians who have donated their tracks for free, a new 15-song CD 'Resound' will be on sale during the festival to raise funds for the charity.

Hannah, who is chair of the trust said: "The folk scene is still relatively small and often feels like a big family.

"Alan was definitely seen as an important member of the family by many artists. He and Sandra have supported hundreds of musicians, right from the beginnings of their careers, and have always had an eye for spotting potential.

"Not only that, they have also given opportunities to more established artists to create new works for the festival, whether they be new collaborations between artists, new dance shows, or new repertoires of songs.

"Shrewsbury Folk Festival continues to support and contribute to the ongoing evolution of our music. If we want this music to thrive, this is exactly what organisers of festivals need to be doing and it’s what makes this festival particularly special.

"This is why I have been moved to create this album – all profits from which will raise funds for a new trust which will give out grants and support to young and emerging musicians and new projects. As someone who has benefitted from the generosity of Shrewsbury Folk Festival, I want to take the baton and keep some of this support and momentum going. It seems like a very fitting way to serve Alan’s memory.

"The tracks on this album are all from artists who have had strong links with the festival and some are songs which we know were favourites of Alan’s. I hope this album will capture some of the spirit of the festival and the passion that Alan had for this music."